Dani Alves insists Barcelona will "fight to the death'' to retain their title after slipping six points behind Primera Division leaders Real Madrid.

The defending league champions suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Getafe on Saturday which allowed Madrid to end the weekend with a significant lead over their rivals following their own win against neighbours Atletico.

Brazil right-back Alves is not unduly concerned, however.

"The players are fairly relaxed,'' he told reporters. "We know that in our profession there are challenges, and that's exciting and we're fascinated by it.

"Happily, there's still a long way to go, and no cups have been awarded yet. One of the keys to this team is that we don't give up or throw in the towel - never.

"We don't change the way we play because of results. We have a philosophy and if we have to die we'll stick with that philosophy."This year we're finding it more difficult away from home, but these are phases. Luckily, it's happening to us now and not at the end of the season. There's time to put things right.''

He said: "Real Madrid won't drop many points and we can't make any more mistakes. They have a lead and we have to try and reduce it. We have to concentrate and not make any more mistakes.

"My team-mates will rise to this challenge. Don't let there be any doubt but that this team will fight to the death for everything.''

Barca will be boosted by the return of Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas to training after injuries while first-choice defensive partners Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique are set to be reunited at the back.

Rayo Vallecano striker Raul Tamudo seems likely to start up front after coming from the bench to score in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to Valencia.

The former Espanyol captain told his club's official website: "We have to go there on Tuesday and try to do a good job and play well.

"I always say it is a special match for all players, to play at that stadium against such a great team.''

Match

Go Rayo Vallecano
Do the city of Madrid Proud
Put on the valour of the likes of Getafe
and throw away all laidback attitude of the likes of atletico

hala Rayo
hala madrid

@Anti-Barca, we wil rise again.
All haters should go and drink rat poison mixed wit go90
UP BARCA! UP CATALANS!!

efepro:

@Anti-Barca, we wil rise again.
All haters should go and drink rat poison mixed wit go90
UP BARCA! UP CATALANS!!

I am with you 100 percent, we (Barca) will maintain our position no matter how faultless madrip playing this season.

all anti Barca should lick lizard yarsh to cure their sickness. we are only 6 points behind and we will close the gap soon. obviously, no cups have been won yet and theres still time. up BARCA!

We are Barca.we play well when we are under pressure and i am positive the lost to getefe is a blessing in disguise.
Forza Barca.

C'mon boiz make up 4 lost ground pls

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na wa ooooo

see as them all they sike themselves up like pesin wey drink alomo bitters join with opa eyin.

make God wan catch all of una make Rayo go draw sef. na real confirm gbege be dat

Barca is going to destroy rayo sayo shayo lol

Match begins

Game on!!!

We are now in control of the game

Goooooal, Alexis has done it 4 us

Messi u need a goal in this match

Another gooooal 4 barca by Alexis again

It is another goal 4 barca by Villa.GOD BLESS BARCA

It is now half time.3-0 against Rayo

Messssiiiii has made it 4

Where are the haters? Mukina is not typing her mockery again o, if Barca was to be losing, she would have continuously type until this thread gets to 3 pages

honeric01:

Where are the haters? Mukina is not typing her mockery again o, if Barca was to be losing, she would have continuously type until this thread gets to 3 pages

sharaaaaaaaaaaaaap, na so the getafe thing pain you?

even though my gran papa will play well in this barca team , what a team , they jst make the football so easy , when is the first el classico ?

Wat a game!!! Mehn I enjoyed every bit of it

mukina2:

sharaaaaaaaaaaaaap, na so the getafe thing pain you?  

yes he pain me lol, u don dey immune to pain after losing because una use to too many losing for that arsenal team lol, una lose this night again, instead make u go dey mourn, u dey here dey shine 2 Burnaby's teeth wey u get.

Barca is simply a team to watch.They have redefined soccer,they are a model team to all.they make football trully entertaining,even when they are loosing they remain calm and in control.

hahahahahahhahhahaha. i wan laff my belle throway. goaaaaaaaal! what a game! UP BARCA!!!!

The game of Football is nt easy as it seems,but BARCA makes it so easy and entertaining.What a team.that's what i call professionalism.