Real Valladolid 1-2 Barcelona: The Catalans go seven points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga
Barcelona came from behind to win 2-1 against already-relegated Real Valladolid at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla on Saturday.
Hansi Flick made nine changes to the team that drew 3-3 against Inter Milan in the Champions League in midweek, with an eye on the crucial second leg at the San Siro next Tuesday.
However, it meant that Barcelona were seriously weakened, and the hosts accordingly took an early lead through Ivan Sanchez. The winger’s shot was wickedly deflected off Ronald Araujo, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen, making his return after seven months away due to injury, was unable to make the save.
Barcelona rallied to go in search of the equaliser, grabbing over 80 per cent of the possession. In the second half, Flick introduced some first team players, including Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong. Lamine Yamal had entered late in the first half when Dani Rodriguez, who was making his debut, went off injured.
It didn’t take long in the second period for the equaliser to arrive, and it came from a familiar route. Raphinha lashed in a half-volley after goalkeeper Andre Fereirra had half-cleared Yamal’s cross. Barcelona then took the lead at the hour mark when Fermin Lopez finished off a low cross from Gerard Martin.
The Catalans continued to push for a third but it never came. Ansu Fati wasted a clear chance after beautiful team work had put him through on goal. Shortly after, the ball swung from right to left and right again across the face of the Valladolid goal begging to be attacked, but Yamal’s eventual attempt was cleared off the line.
In Barcelona’s half, there was the familiar theme of the Catalans’ high line causing them problems, but Ter Stegen made life difficult for the Valladolid forward line attempting rapid counter-attacks.
This away trip against an already-relegated side was always going to feel to Barcelona like that boring unwanted stop in-between much more important fixtures – Inter, Valladolid, Inter again, and then the El Clasico. And it looked that way throughout. Ultimately, the game petered out and it seemed that by the end both Barcelona and Valladolid were thankful it was over.
