Barcelona edged closer to the La Liga title with a hard-fought 2-1 win away to already-relegated Valladolid, overturning an early deficit to maintain their seven-point lead over Real Madrid. With four rounds to go, the Catalans continue to lead the title race, but their focus now shifts to two massive upcoming games: the Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter Milan and Sunday’s Clásico against Real.
Despite heavy rotation by coach Hansi Flick—only Pedri and an unfit Gerard Martin were retained from the starting XI—Barça struggled early on. Teenager Dani Rodríguez made his senior debut but was forced off with a shoulder injury after just 30 minutes. The hosts, surrounded by fan protests against club owner Ronaldo Nazario, took the lead five minutes in via Ivan Sanchez, whose effort deflected off Araujo past a returning Ter Stegen.
The visitors looked sluggish until the second half, when subs Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha turned the tide. Raphinha equalised in the 54th minute with his 31st goal of the season, and Fermin Lopez completed the comeback six minutes later with a precise left-footed finish from Martin’s assist.
La Liga: crucial points for Barcelona and Real Madrid ahead of El Clásico
02 May - 11:00 •
1' min
Barça had chances to extend their lead—Hector Fort hit the post, and Yamal was denied on the line by Candela. On the other end, Ter Stegen had to pull off a crucial stop to preserve the result. Barcelona have now scored 160 goals in 55 matches this season, and remain firmly in control of their domestic destiny.
