Real Valladolid 1-2 Barcelona: Visitors take seven-point lead in LaLiga title race

Barcelona extended their lead at the top of LaLiga to seven points with a 2-1 comeback win against already-relegated Real Valladolid on Saturday.

Ahead of the second leg of their Champions League semi-final tie against Inter, Hansi Flick made 10 changes to his side, with only Pedri retaining his starting position.

The game also marked the long-awaited return of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, back in goal after recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury that had sidelined him since September.

Valladolid, whose relegation was confirmed following their defeat to Real Betis last week, took a surprise lead inside six minutes. Ivan Sanchez latched onto Raul Moro’s throughball and saw his deflected cross nestle into the side netting.

The hosts frustrated Barcelona in the first half, but the visitors responded quickly after the break. Nine minutes into the second half, Raphinha fired a half-volley into the bottom corner following Andre Ferreira’s parried save off Lamine Yamal’s cross.

It took less than six minutes from then on for Barcelona to complete the comeback, with Gerard Martin setting up Fermin Lopez on the edge of the area with a simple cut-back pass.

Valladolid rallied and sought a late leveller, but Ter Stegen was well-placed to keep out Juanmi Latasa’s outstretched effort in the dying minutes.

Barcelona sit atop the league table with 79 points, seven ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, who host Celta Vigo on Sunday.

Flick’s side now turn their attention to the Champions League semi-final second leg, where they travel to face Inter following a dramatic comeback to salvage a 3-3 draw in the first leg.

FULL TIME!! #ValladolidBarça pic.twitter.com/rARRv1pn4X

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 3, 2025

Data debrief: Barcelona’s dominance continues

Barcelona have now won 17 of their last 19 LaLiga meetings with Valladolid, losing just twice – both at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla (0-1 in March 2014, 1-3 in May 2023).

Flick’s side are now unbeaten in 15 league games (W13 D2), their longest run without defeat since April 2022.

Despite falling behind to Ivan Sanchez’s opener, Barcelona pushed hard and amassed 24 shots, seven of them on target, totalling an expected goals (xG) total of 2.06.

Valladolid, in contrast, had five shots, four of them on target, but could only muster a middling 0.59 xG.