Spanish club's fans sing chant about Liverpool that highlights just how badly this season has gone

Supporters of Spanish club Rayo Vallecano referred to Liverpool in a chant during their latest victory in La Liga - and it underlines the Reds' struggles this season.

The Spanish side currently sit fifth in La Liga under the stewardship of former Athletic Bilbao defender Andoni Iraola, who has been linked with the vacant post at Leeds. He is now a 'leading contender', according to Sky Sports.

They have defied expectations this season, after finishing in 12th position last season. Their high-pressing football, and run to the 2022/23 Copa del Rey semi-finals, has meant Iraola is certainly a man in demand.

Whether the Whites make an approach for the Spaniard remains to be seen, but Rayo will be desperate to keep hold of a coach that is currently on track to guide them to the Europa League for next season.

During their 2-0 win over Almeria on Monday - a result which took Rayo ahead of Valencia and Real Betis in the table - the club's supporters decided to start a Liverpool-themed chant.

Rayo fans start Liverpool chant

In the latter stages of the game, Rayo fans repeatedly chanted, "Next year, Rayo-Liverpool", with their dreams of qualifying for the Europa League remain alive.

It is a sign of Liverpool's poor season that finishing in the Europa League places - and a potential showdown with Rayo - is even being thought about, and an even bigger sign is that they are not guaranteed to qualify for that competition at all.

Jurgen Klopp's side are in 10th position, six points behind sixth-placed Brighton, who occupy the final Europa League spot at present.

But they may need to finish in fifth position to get into the competition. That is because the winner of the FA Cup receives the second qualification spot, although if any of the top four teams win the trophy, the spot goes to the team who finishes in sixth position.

Should Newcastle or Manchester United win the Carabao Cup, and then finish below seventh in the Premier League, even entry to the Europa Conference League would be blocked for Liverpool.

The Reds will be desperate to shake off their recent poor form and kick on in an attempt to finish in the top four - although they are now 11 points behind fourth-placed Newcastle with a game in hand.