Barcelona overcame an early deficit to defeat relegated Real Valladolid 2-1 in an away fixture on Saturday, tightening their grip on the La Liga title ahead of a crucial European encounter with Inter Milan.
Hansi Flick’s decision to rotate his starting eleven, with one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg in Milan, nearly backfired before second-half substitute Raphinha and in-form Fermín López sparked a quick turnaround.
The hosts took a surprise lead in the first half when Iván Sánchez’s shot took a wicked deflection off Ronald Araújo, looping over Marc-André ter Stegen, who was making his first appearance since a knee injury last September.
Barcelona, initially subdued, were dealt an additional blow when debutant Daniel Rodríguez exited the match injured after 30 minutes. His replacement, Lamine Yamal, would soon prove pivotal.
Raphinha, introduced at halftime in place of the ineffective Ansu Fati, levelled the scores in the 54th minute by drilling in a rebound after Valladolid keeper André Ferreira parried Yamal’s cross.
Just six minutes later, Fermín López capped off a fine move with a low, clinical finish into the far corner, ensuring all three points for the visitors.
Speaking post-match, Flick stated, “I am happy that we won the three points, but I am also happy that some players had less minutes before the important match against Inter on Tuesday.”
Despite trailing at the break, Flick remained committed to his rotation plan, restricting Pedri González to just 45 minutes before bringing on Frenkie de Jong. First-choice defenders Pau Cubarsí and Íñigo Martínez were not featured.
Yamal was a constant threat, drawing a crucial clearance from Antonio Candela in the 80th minute and dazzling with a mesmerising spin past two defenders later in the game.
With the result, Barcelona opened a seven-point lead over rivals Real Madrid, whom they had recently defeated in the Copa del Rey final. Madrid, however, have a game in hand and host Celta Vigo on Sunday. Only four rounds remain, including a potentially decisive Clasico.
Returning goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen expressed his delight, saying, “I was really eager to play and enjoy being on the field. And there is no better way to return than with a win.” Flick confirmed that Wojciech Szczęsny will resume Champions League duties midweek.
There were further positives for the Catalan side as defender Andreas Christensen also made his first start of the season following a prolonged injury layoff. Midfielder Gavi Páez requested to be substituted late in the game, though it remains unclear if the issue was injury-related or fatigue.
Meanwhile, unrest brewed among the Valladolid supporters. The club, already relegated, saw fans direct their ire at Brazilian club owner Ronaldo Nazário. Spectators threw fake €500 notes bearing Ronaldo’s face and the words “Ronaldo go home” onto the pitch and repeatedly chanted for his departure.
Elsewhere, Atlético Madrid were held to a goalless draw by Alavés, leaving Diego Simeone’s side five points behind second-placed Real Madrid. Villarreal tightened their hold on fifth place and a Champions League spot with a 4-2 victory over Osasuna, powered by an Ayoze Pérez brace.
Valencia edged Las Palmas 3-2, with Hugo Duro netting twice, plunging the Canary Islands outfit deeper into relegation danger.
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