Alonso set for Madrid start against Rayo

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Xabi Alonso will make his first start for over five months against Rayo Vallecano.

The Spain international has been sidelined with foot and groin injuries but made a substitute appearance in Wednesday's 7-3 victory over Sevilla.

Alonso replaced Asier Illarramendi with 26 minutes remaining and is now set to feature from the first whistle on Saturday.

'Valdes almost killed me with his eyes!'

Martin Montoya has revealed the extent of how unhappy the Barcelona shot-stopper was with a mistake he made against Rayo Vallecano

Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes "almost killed" defender Martin Montoya for a poor back pass against Rayo Vallecano, the young defender has joked.

The Blaugrana beat Rayo Vallecano 4-0 on Saturday, though the hosts almost pulled a goal back when Montoya misjudged a pass, putting the Spain keeper under pressure.

The 22-year-old insisted that the incident was entirely his own doing, absolving the shot-stopper of any potential blame, while adding that Rayo's pitch was in a poor state.

Barcelona lose possession battle for first time in 317 games

The Catalans thrashed Rayo Vallecano 4-0 on Saturday evening, but saw less of the ball than their opponent - something which has not happened since May 7, 2008 against Real Madrid

Barcelona failed to get the better of their opponents in terms of possession on Saturday - for the first time in 317 competitive games.

The Catalans cruised to a 4-0 victory at Rayo Vallecano (which included a hat-trick from Pedro, a Cesc Fabregas strike and a second successive penalty save in a week from goalkeeper Victor Valdes), but Gerardo Martino's side were edged out in the possession stats by 51 per cent to 49% at Vallecas.

Michu vows to improve after Bony signing

Michu, who was signed for just £2 million from La Liga outfit Rayo Vallecano, was the surprise package of the Premier League last season, scoring an astonishing 22 goals as he helped the Welsh club to a ninth-placed finish, as well as a first ever League Cup trophy - this gives the Swans and Michu an opportunity for Europa League football this season.

The 27-year-old has targeted improvement ahead of the 2013/14 campaign,

and admitted that his  favoured position is playing 'in the hole' despite wearing the number nine last season and having to play as an out-and-out striker due to Swansea's lack of cover in that position.