UEFA, May 4 (V7N) — Ahead of a crucial UEFA Champions League semifinal, Barcelona took another vital step toward reclaiming the La Liga title with a hard-fought 2-1 win over already-relegated Real Valladolid on Saturday. Goals from substitutes Raphinha and Fermín López in the second half sealed the comeback victory for Hansi Flick’s side.
 
Coming off a dramatic 3-3 draw in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan, Barcelona made several changes to their starting lineup with Wednesday’s decisive second leg at San Siro in mind. However, the match began on a disappointing note for the Catalan giants.
 
Valladolid took an early lead just six minutes into the game, when Iván Sánchez’s strike deflected off Barça defender Ronald Araújo and wrong-footed goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen to find the back of the net. The goal marked Ter Stegen’s first appearance since September after a lengthy injury layoff.
 
Despite the early setback, Barcelona gradually took control of the match. Raphinha and Fermín López, both brought on as substitutes in the second half, made the difference—scoring decisive goals to ensure all three points and maintain pressure on league leaders Real Madrid in the title race.
 
With momentum building, Barcelona now turn their attention to the high-stakes return leg against Inter Milan, hoping to reach the Champions League final under new coach Hansi Flick’s leadership.
 
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