Barcelona have moved a step closer to sealing the La Liga title after being given a real scare in their 2-1 win at Real Valladolid.
2024/2025 La Liga
1-2
Match Report
With Hansi Flick keeping one eye on the midweek UEFA Champions League semi final second leg at Inter Milan, the former Bayern Munich boss made a host of changes to his starting line up, including a first start of 2025 for captain Marc Andre ter Stegen.
However, the German’s return turned into a nightmare in the opening minutes as Ivan Sanchez’s deflected strike looped past him, to leave the visitors stunned.
La Liga’s basement side – who are already relegated – held their 1-0 lead to the break, despite the early introduction of Lamine Yamal.
Flick looked to change things up at the interval, and that forced Barcelona back into the game, as substitute Raphinha smashed home on 54 minutes.
Fermin Lopez quickly seized his chance to make it 2-1 as Barcelona took control late on.
Despite pinning the hosts back in the closing stage, Barcelona could not find a result sealing third goal, as they eased over the line.
In the context of the title race, Barcelona are now seven points clear of Real Madrid, but with an extra game played for Flick.
Four more games remain for Flick, with Real Madrid aiming to close the gap to four points against Celta Vigo tomorrow, as Barcelona turn their attention to the Champions League on May 6.
A 3-3 draw in Catalonia has the game evenly poised and Flick will recall his big guns in Milan with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha certain to start.
Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Wojciech Szczesny and Ferran Torres all stayed on the bench in Valladolid with all four set to start.
Flick’s main call comes at full back, with Jules Kounde ruled out and Alejandro Balde battling to be fit in time, with Gerard Martin and Eric Garcia on standby to come in.
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
6' GOAL! Sánchez' shot is deflected into the back of net! Valladolid 1-0 Barcelona
9' Highlight from Valladolid vs Barcelona
15' Victor with a thumping header on target which forces keeper make a great save
19' Gavi's header from the corner is over the bar
21' Highlight from Valladolid vs Barcelona
27' Rodriguez goes for goal from distance, but it fizzes past the far post
30' Fati beats his markers and finds some space to unleash a shot which is saved
36' Yamal comes on to replace injured Dani Rodriguez
46' Raphinha and De Jong come on ahead of the second half to replace Pedri and Fati
54' GOAL! Substitute Raphinha gets the rebound & equalizes! Valladolid 1-1 Barcelona
61' GOAL! Fermin with a wonder strike to get hosts lead! Valladolid 1-2 Barcelona
62' Victor makes way for Olmo
66' Highlight from Valladolid vs Barcelona
69' CLOSE! Hector Fort almost scores a third for Barcelona but it hits the post!
80' Brilliant goal line clearance from Candela to deny Yamal's shot
87' Highlight from Valladolid vs Barcelona
Line-ups
Valladolid XI: Iván Sánchez, Mamadou Sylla, André Ferreira, Anuar, Eray Cömert, Selim Amallah, Stanko Juric, Antonio Candela, Cenk Özkacar, Raúl Moro, Aznou
Subs: Darwin Machís, Grillitsch, A.Ndiaye, Luis Pérez, Marcos André, Karl Hein, Juanmi Latasa, David Torres, Mario Martín, Chuki, Tamás Nikitscher, Iago Parente
Barcelona XI: Ter Stegen, Christensen, Araujo, Fati, Pedri, Pau Víctor, Gavi, Fermín López, Dani Rodríguez, Gerard Martín, Héctor Fort
Subs: Szczesny, I. Martinez, Olmo, Pena, De Jong, Ferran Torres, Raphinha, Eric Garcia, Yamal, Cubarsi, Noah Darvich, Landry Farré