Barcelona conceded a goal just 6 minutes into the match. But being Barcelona, fans always believed in a comeback and the La Liga leaders rewarded that faith. With a strong second-half performance, Barca beat Real Valladolid 2-1 to widen their lead at the top of the table.
Barca now sit on 79 points from 34 matches. Second-placed Real Madrid trail by 7 points with one game in hand.
The opening goal from Valladolid on Saturday night shocked everyone. Ivan Sanchez delivered a cross from inside the box that looped over Marc-André ter Stegen into the net.
Barca fans were stunned that the league leaders conceded so early against a bottom-table team. But they didn’t lose hope.
Barcelona 2-1 Valladolid
Despite a goalless first half, Hansi Flick’s side stormed back after the break. In the 54th minute, Raphinha equalized with a powerful shot from inside the box. Just six minutes later, Fermín López found the net, giving Barca a 2-1 lead.
Both teams created further chances, but no more goals were scored.
This match also marked the return of German goalkeeper Ter Stegen after a seven-month injury layoff. However, regular keeper Wojciech Szczęsny is expected to start in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan and the La Liga showdown with Real Madrid next week.
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