Barca takes seven-point lead ahead of Clasico
Barcelona extended its lead at the top of LaLiga to seven points with a 2-1 comeback win against already-relegated Real Valladolid.
Ahead of the second leg of its UEFA Champions League semi-final tie against Inter Milan, 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 after defeat to Real Betis last week, took a surprise lead inside six minutes. Ivan Sanchez latched on to 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 after 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 sits top of the league table with 79 points, seven ahead of second-placed Real Madrid, which hosts Celta Vigo on Monday (AEST) before a huge Clasico clash next weekend, which could well decide the title.
Flick’s side now turns its attention to the UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter, where it travels to San Siro after the dramatic 3-3 draw in the first leg.
