Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano preview

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

Dani Alves says 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. But the Brazilian right-back insists there's still a long way to go in the title race. Alves said: "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." Barca will be boosted for Tuesday's clash with Vallecano 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. Best Bet: Barcelona over 4.5 goals - 13/8