Three talking points from Real Valladolid 1-2 Barcelona

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A hard-fought win

Flick rotates and Barca escape with win

Hansi Flick sent out a warning before travelling to Real Valladolid that “You can lose La Liga in these games” but then named a heavily-rotated team for the match.

Dani Rodriguez, Ansu Fati, Pau Victor, Hector Fort and Andreas Christensen were all in from the start against a team that had already been relegated from La Liga and were hammered 7-0 by Barca at the start of the season.

Yet Barca got off to the worst possible start as Real Valladolid managed to score a fortunate goal, with a deflected shot looping over Marc-Andre ter Stegen. It was the German’s first outing since September but he was beaten after just five minutes.

Barca went on to dominate possession but never really hit top gear. Pau Victor had a header tipped over, while Ansu Fati went close with a curling effort that André Ferreira tipped away at full stretch. For a team packed full of players with a point to prove, it was uninspiring stuff.

The arrival of Lamine Yamal for the unfortunate Dani Rodriguez made a difference and he was joined at the start of the second half by Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong. The changes told you all you needed to know about what Flick thought of the first half.

And Barca needed their regulars to go on and get the win on what turned out to be a very nervy night for the visitors. It’s hard to fault Flick’s decision to rotate so heavily given the packed schedule but it did very nearly backfire.

Dani Rodriguez suffers as Yamal and Raphinha bail out Barca

Saturday’s game was a memorable one for Dani Rodriguez but probably for all the wrong reasons. Barca fans were finally treated to the sight of seeing the talented youngster in the starting XI but it all went horribly wrong when he went off early with a painful-looking shoulder injury.

There’s no doubt it’s a real blow for such a promising talent, although Hansi Flick made it clear that he’s very much still in his plans - we may just have to wait a little while to see him back in first team colors.

Rodriguez’s departure led to the arrival of Yamal who helped turn the game in Barcelona’s favour. Raphinha also proved key as the Brazilian scored within minutes of taking to the pitch before Fermin Lopez hit the winner.

31 - Brazilians from Europe's to five leagues with 31+ goals in a single season in all competitions, since 2013/14:

1. Neymar Jr (39 in 2014/15 and 31 in 2015/16)
2. RAPHINHA (31 in 2024/25)

Chosen. pic.twitter.com/QWMnVmjLYv

— OptaJose (@OptaJose) May 3, 2025

Flick admitted afterwards that Yamal and Raphinha had seen more game time that he had wanted but also backed the players who came into the team.

“I planned for Pedri and De Jong to play just 45 minutes each. But, I would have also liked Raphinha and Lamine to play fewer minutes,” he said afterwards.

“When you make nine changes, it’s not easy for these guys who came in. They are young. I believe in them. I have the highest confidence in my players. They give everything. It was not easy, when you have the ball, to control then all like we did.”

Yet the fact Barca needed their top stars to bail them out will raise questions over the future of some of Flick’s back-ups.

Another comeback brings title into view

Barca may have suffered against Real Valladolid but they still did just about enough for three three points and move seven points clear at the top with four games left.

It’s yet another comeback win for Barca this season. Flick’s side have made a habit of going behind but have shown plenty of heart throughout the campaign to hit back.

“We’re making a lot of comebacks,” he told reporters. “We’re always thinking about winning, whether we’re behind or leading. In the end, the important thing is the three points.”

The result brings the title into view and means Barca can win La Liga next weekend in the Clasico if Real Madrid fail to take all three points against Celta Vigo later today.

There’s no doubt that it’s a tantalising prospect for the Barcelona players, particularly given the fact they have beaten Real Madrid three times already this season.

Yet before all of that there’s the small matter of a Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter at San Siro.

Source: barcablaugranes.com