Do or die for Barca

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Real Madrid's defeat at San Mames gives FC Barcelona the chance to retake the top spot after four months putting up with second best.

Celta's unexpected 1-0 win over Barca at the Nou Camp in match-week 10 of La Liga left the 'Azulgranas' trailing Real Madrid, after 'Los Blancos' hammered Granada that same weekend.

Luis Enrique's team have been laying chase to Real Madrid since 2nd November and now, if they can beat Rayo Vallecano, they have a chance to put themselves back in command of the league table.

This is a golden opportunity for Barcelona after their relentless bid to close the gap and the shocking slip-up against Malaga at the Nou Camp two weeks ago.

Real Madrid dropped all three points at San Mames, leaving them on 61 to Barca's 59. Real's faltering could also help either Atletico(54) or Valencia(53) to rein in some ground when they face each other at the Vicente Calderon.

With the 'Clasico' fast approaching on 22nd March, nothing could give Barca more of a boost than going into the game as the leaders.

However, they still have to deal with Rayo Vallecano, and both Celta and Malaga have managed to take three points home from the Camp Nou this season, meaning Luis Enrique's men will need to be fully focussed.

Barca finally have their big chance and the players know that they cannot afford to waste it.