Barcelona overcame an early scare to secure a 2-1 comeback win over already-relegated Real Valladolid on Saturday, taking a crucial step toward clinching the La Liga title.
With one eye on Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter Milan, coach Hansi Flick made several changes to his starting lineup. Only Pedri González and Gerard Martin retained their places from the thrilling 3-3 draw in Milan. Marc-André ter Stegen returned in goal for his first appearance since September after recovering from injury.
However, the German goalkeeper was quickly tested, as Valladolid took a shock lead in the sixth minute. Ivan Sánchez’s shot deflected off Ronald Araújo, wrong-footing Ter Stegen and flying into the top corner.
Despite the early setback, the match saw more drama off the pitch, with home fans protesting against club president and majority owner Ronaldo Nazário by tossing fake money bearing his face and calling for his resignation.
Barça gradually grew into the game, with Pau Víctor and Ansu Fati both denied by Valladolid goalkeeper André Ferreira. Young midfielder Dani Rodríguez, making his debut, was forced off with a shoulder injury, prompting the introduction of 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who had starred in midweek.
Flick made further changes at halftime, bringing on Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong for Pedri and Fati. The shift paid off. After Yamal was fouled early in the second half, Raphinha forced a save from Ferreira with a sharp free-kick. Moments later, he equalized, seizing on a loose ball at the edge of the area after Ferreira failed to clear Yamal’s cross — marking his 16th league goal of the season.
Barça completed the turnaround seven minutes later. Gerard Martin set up Fermín López, who calmly slotted home to give the visitors a 2-1 lead.
Barça pushed for a third, with Héctor Fort hitting the post following a clever backheel from Yamal. Dani Olmo also forced a late save from Ferreira with a well-struck free-kick. In stoppage time, Araújo made a crucial block to deny Valladolid an equalizer, preserving the win.
The victory moves Barcelona seven points clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who face Celta Vigo on Sunday, ahead of the decisive El Clásico on May 11.