Barcelona Forced to Bring Out the Big Guns to Beat Struggling Valladolid

What started as a tactical experiment quickly turned into a reality check for Barcelona. In their La Liga Matchday 34 clash away at Real Valladolid, head coach Hansi Flick opted to rest several starters ahead of the crucial UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter Milan. But the plan nearly backfired.

With a rotated lineup that included youngster Dani Rodríguez, Barça found themselves trailing just six minutes in. The early goal shocked the Catalans into action — and forced Flick to abandon his initial strategy. By the 38th minute, promising talent Lamine Yamal was brought on, replacing Rodríguez. After the break, Raphinha replaced Ansu Fati, injecting pace and experience into the front line.

The changes paid off swiftly. On 54 minutes, Raphinha struck the equaliser, showcasing his class and composure in front of goal. Just six minutes later, it was Fermín López who sealed the comeback with a well-placed finish, giving Barcelona a hard-fought 2–1 lead that they maintained until the final whistle.

2024-25, Spain - La Liga

Valladolid - Barcelona 1:2 (1:0)
Goals: Sánchez I., 6 (1:0); Raphinha, 54 (1:1); Fermin, 60 (1:2)

Valladolid: Ferreira A.; Ozkacar; Cömert; Candela; Aznou; Juriс S.; Sánchez I. (Chuki, 72); Anuar (Ndiaye Am., 64); Amallah (Grillitsch, 72); Sylla Diallo (Latasa, 64); Moro R.
Bench: Hein; Luis Pérez Maqueda; Torres David; Nikitscher; Martin Ma.; Marcos Andre; Machis
Yellow Cards: Sylla Diallo 8; Anuar 37

Barcelona: ter Stegen; Araujo R.; Christensen A.; Fort H.; Martín; Gavi (Garcia E., 79); Fermin; Dani Rodríguez (Yamal, 38); Pau Victor (Olmo, 62); Pedri (de Jong F., 46); Fati An. (Raphinha, 46)
Bench: Peña I.; Szczesny; Cubarsí; Martinez In.; Torres F.
Yellow Cards: Araujo R. 7; Christensen A. 66