Barca battle back to preserve league title charge 2nd half strikes by Raphinha and Fermin helped Barca climb 7 points clear of 2nd-place Real, who host Celta Sunday ahead of the Clasico on May 11
 |
The Catalan giants heavily rotated with Tuesday's Champions League semi-final clash at Inter Milan in mind and fell behind to Ivan Sanchez's early deflected goal.
Barca Edge Past Valladolid with Second-Half Comeback to Go Seven Points Clear
Second-half goals from Raphinha and Fermin Lopez secured a crucial comeback win for Barcelona, who moved seven points clear of second-placed Real Madrid ahead of next weekend’s highly anticipated Clasico. Real Madrid will face Celta Vigo on Sunday.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick rotated heavily from the side that drew 3-3 with Inter midweek in the Champions League, retaining only Pedri Gonzalez and Gerard Martin in the starting lineup. Notably, Marc-Andre ter Stegen returned to the starting XI for his first appearance since September, following a lengthy injury absence.
“I was really looking forward to playing again, and it's even better when the team wins,” Ter Stegen told DAZN. “We’ve kept the momentum going, which is crucial, and now we’re excited for some big games ahead.”
However, the German goalkeeper’s return didn’t start ideally — within six minutes, he was beaten after Gerard Martin’s shot deflected off Ronald Araujo and looped into the top corner.
Despite the early lead, Valladolid’s fans turned their frustration on club president and majority owner Ronaldo Nazário, throwing fake banknotes with his image and calling for him to step down.
Barcelona responded with increasing pressure. Valladolid keeper Andre Ferreira denied headers from Pau Victor and saved smartly from Ansu Fati. Ter Stegen, meanwhile, made a key save against Raul Moro to keep the deficit at one.
Barca debutant Dani Rodriguez suffered a shoulder injury and was replaced by 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who had starred midweek. Though Flick had hoped to rest the teenager, the situation demanded his spark.
At halftime, Flick made more changes, introducing Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong for Pedri and Ansu Fati. The impact was swift. Yamal earned a free-kick, which Raphinha fired on target, forcing Ferreira into action.
Shortly after, Yamal’s cross caused chaos, with Ferreira’s clearance falling to Raphinha, who tucked in his 16th league goal of the season. Moments later, Gerard Martin set up Fermin Lopez, who made no mistake from the edge of the box to put Barca ahead.
Barcelona nearly added a third when Hector Fort hit the post after a clever backheel from Yamal. Dani Olmo also came close with a free-kick late on, but Ferreira again stood firm.
In stoppage time, Araujo produced a crucial block to preserve the lead and seal an important win for the visitors.
“Three points was our goal and we achieved it — I’m happy and satisfied,” Flick said post-match.
For Valladolid, despite a strong first half, it was another frustrating result.
“We defended well before they scored — the team worked hard,” said goalscorer Sanchez. “But it wasn’t enough in the end.”