Barcelona passed a crucial La Liga title test via a battling 2-1 win at rock bottom Real Valladolid after surviving a scare.
La Blaugrana stretched their title lead to seven points overnight – with one extra game played over second place Real Madrid – as Hansi Flick’s team showed grit against their relegated hosts.
Ivan Sanchez’s early goal threatened to upset the odds as Flick’s heavily rotated team struggled to get a grip on the contest.
With the prospect of a UEFA Champions League semi final second leg at Inter Milan on the horizon in midweek, Flick made nine changes from the 3-3 draw, including a first start of 2025 for captain Marc Andre ter Stegen.
Lamine Yamal was called off the bench just before half time, with Raphinha brought on at half time, and the latter slotted home a key leveller.
Fermin Lopez’s strike proved to be the winner for Flick’s charges as they close in on the La Liga title this month.
Attention will now shift to Milan on May 6 with that game clearly in Flick’s mind as he admitted Valladolid’s performance forced a change in strategy.
“I planned for Pedri and De Jong to play just 45 minutes each. But, I would have also liked Raphinha and Lamine to play fewer minutes,” as per quotes from Marca.
“I’m not disappointed in anyone. We made nine changes, they’re young, I believe in them.
“It wasn’t easy. There were some mistakes, quick transitions, but Araujo and Christensen had good games, s did Ter Stegen.”
Flick also confirmed his intention to bring Wojciech Szczesny back in to face Inter Milan and Real Madrid in the coming week despite Ter Stegen’s return to action.
Gavi is also expected to be OK, after suffering a knock late on, but the Spain international will undergo a test in the next 48 hours.
Wibabcdruz
55
agree with you sir but don't worry you gonna make it I salute you
Ămär Khåñ
46
Exactly… Starting 11 should have finish the match.., there was actually no need to bring in lamine rapha
pium
37
Christensen adaptation to Flick offside trap system is impressive. He started his first game yesterday and played like a experienced one. He can succeed Inigo Martinez I believe. Barca should not spend on Centre Backs. Cubrasi, Inigo, Araujo, Christensen, Eric should be enough for years to come. We need full backs badly and need to spend money on them. And also a Centre Forward.
omaryaradua
25
Exactly… Starting 11 should have finish the match.., there was actually no need to bring in lamine rapha
Barca could have never won that match if Yamal and Raphina didn't come on
Yupceioy
19
Exactly… Starting 11 should have finish the match.., there was actually no need to bring in lamine rapha
no problem Mr flick to me the league is even more important at this point because we have gone so far to lose it
yesondivinechirwa
10
Exactly… Starting 11 should have finish the match.., there was actually no need to bring in lamine rapha
what he meant is that those who where first selected were supposed to win the game without bringing in raphina and yamal but fati and his friends failed to live up to the expectations
saaaeiorz
7
Good luck team Barcelona in all your games