Barcelona had to fight hard to come from behind and beat Real Valladolid 2-1, keeping themselves in a strong position at the top of LaLiga. It wasn’t the same one-sided affair as their 7-0 win earlier in the season, but it was just as important.
Valladolid, facing likely relegation, started with real energy. Iván Sánchez gave them a surprise lead just six minutes in, as his shot deflected off Ronald Araújo and spun awkwardly past Marc-André ter Stegen, who was back from injury. Raúl Moro and Pau Víctor also tested the goal, while Barcelona’s Ansu Fati and Fermín López had shots blocked.
Barça handed a debut to Dani Rodríguez, who showed promise before going off with a shoulder injury. Fati nearly equalised with a curling effort that was well saved, and even with Lamine Yamal’s spark off the bench, the visitors couldn’t find a breakthrough before half-time.
That changed after the break. Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong came on, and it was Raphinha who levelled the score — controlling a loose ball from a failed punch by the keeper and drilling it low into the corner. Just seven minutes later, Gerard Martín found Fermín López, who calmly slotted home to put Barcelona in front.
Barça had more chances, with Héctor Fort hitting the post after some brilliant footwork. Valladolid still threatened, and Juanmi Latasa made Ter Stegen work twice, but they couldn’t find an equaliser.
There was a brief scare for Barcelona when Gavi went off injured, and Yamal had a shot cleared off the line late on. But the Catalan giants held on for their fourth LaLiga win in a row.
The result keeps Barcelona at least four points clear of Real Madrid heading into the next El Clásico. Meanwhile, Valladolid’s eighth straight loss marks a new low in their top-flight history.
