Barcelona came from a goal behind to record a 2-1 victory over Real Valladolid in Saturday night's La Liga clash at Estadio Jose Zorrilla.
Hansi Flick's side were given a major scare when Ivan Sanchez's deflected effort sent the already-relegated hosts into an early lead.
However, Barcelona responded early in the second period, with Raphinha levelling the scores before Fermin Lopez struck a second, as the league leaders collected a valuable three points in their pursuit of the title.
The result has left the Catalan giants seven points clear of second-placed Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table, although they have now played a game more than Carlo Ancelotti's side.
Real Valladolid, meanwhile, have already been relegated from Spain's top flight, and the hosts can take plenty of positives from what was a strong performance against the team that are in a wonderful position to win the title.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Well, that was almost a huge slip-up for Barcelona.
As expected, head coach Flick made a number of changes ahead of the second leg of their Champions League semi-final with Inter Milan, and it almost cost them, but the cavalry ultimately saved the day.
Lamine Yamal was first off the bench in the latter stages of the first half, replacing the injured Dani Rodriguez, before Frenkie de Jong and Raphinha entered at the break, with Dani Olmo then later called upon.
In an ideal world, Flick would have wanted to rest his important players ahead of next week's trip to San Siro, but a victory here was crucial, and it has moved Barcelona seven points clear at the summit.
Real Madrid now need to beat Celta Vigo on Sunday afternoon to realistically remain in the title hunt ahead of what is shaping up to be a monumental clash between the two biggest teams in Spain next weekend.
REAL VALLADOLID VS. BARCELONA HIGHLIGHTS
6th min: Real Valladolid 1-0 Barcelona (Ivan Sanchez)
Real Valladolid make the breakthrough in the sixth minute of the contest, as Sanchez's deflected effort loops over Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and into the back of the net - not the start that the league leaders had planned.
54th min: Real Valladolid 1-1 Barcelona (Raphinha)
Barcelona called for the cavalry at the break, introducing De Jong and Raphinha, and the latter has scored, firing into the back of the net after fellow substitute Yamal had delivered a wonderful cross into the penalty box.
60th min: Real Valladolid 1-2 Barcelona (Fermin Lopez)
Barcelona have turned the game around, with Lopez making it 2-1 to the visitors, and it is a wonderful strike from the Spaniard, as he sweeps a cross from Gerard Martin into the bottom corner of the net.
MAN OF THE MATCH - GERARD MARTIN
© Imago
There has been criticism of Martin's performances of late, with the left-back not of the level of Alejandro Balde, and he was replaced at the interval of the Champions League clash with Inter Milan last time out.
However, this was a much better performance from the 23-year-old, who provided an excellent assist for Fermin to score in the second period, while he made three tackles and won two aerial duels during a brilliant display.
REAL VALLADOLID VS. BARCELONA MATCH STATS
Possession: Real Valladolid 19%-81% Barcelona
Shots: Real Valladolid 5-23 Barcelona
Shots on target: Real Valladolid 4-7 Barcelona
Corners: Real Valladolid 4-8 Barcelona
Fouls: Real Valladolid 12-15 Barcelona
BEST STATS
31 - Brazilians 🇧🇷 from Europe's to five leagues with 31+ goals in a single season in all competitions, since 2013/14:
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) May 3, 2025
1. Neymar Jr (39 in 2014/15 and 31 in 2015/16)
2. RAPHINHA (31 in 2024/25)
Chosen. pic.twitter.com/QWMnVmjLYv
14 - Barcelona have not lost any of their last 14 games in @LaLigaEN (W12 D2) and have not gone 15 or more without defeat in the competition since April 2022 (G15 W11 D4).
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) May 3, 2025
Streak. pic.twitter.com/eAvBxqnvSp
WHAT NEXT?
Barcelona's attention will now switch back to the Champions League, preparing to head to Italy next week for the second leg of their semi-final against Inter Milan, with the tie delicately poised at 3-3 following the first leg.
Real Valladolid, meanwhile, will be aiming to avoid a ninth straight loss in La Liga when they head to Mallorca next Saturday.
Matt Law
