The visitors overcame a frustrating first half to secure three vital points in the battle for the Spanish crown
A heavily rotated Barcelona team took to the pitch in Valladolid on Saturday, sandwiched between the two legs of their Champions League semi-final against Inter. The league leaders might have expected an easy ride against La Liga's bottom club, already relegated ahead of kick-off. But that may have taken the pressure off the hosts, who went ahead inside just six minutes through Ivan Sanchez.
Barcelona were frustrated in the first half, but things changed when Hansi Flick introduced Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong at break. Raphinha's 31st goal of the season soon levelled things up when a stray punch from goalkeeper Andre Ferreira fell at the Brazilian's feet. Fermin Lopez then put the Catalans 2-1 up an hour in, taking up a position at the edge of the box for Gerard Martin's cutback.
Hector Fort hit the post and Lamine Yamal, a first half injury replacement, had an effort cleared off the line towards the end. But Marc-Andre ter Stegen also needed to be sharp on his long-awaited return to keep out a would-be Valladolid equaliser with a fine save. The lead has at least temporarily grown to seven points on Real Madrid, who host Celta Vigo in their weekend game on Sunday
GOAL rates Barcelona's players fromEstadio Jose Zorrilla…
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Marc-Andre ter Stegen (7/10):
Back in the team after months out injured and beaten far too easily in the opening exchanges. Spent a long time as a spectator after that, but a huge save to protect the lead with less than 20 minutes left demonstrated that class is permanent.
Hector Fort (6/10):
Replaced the injured Jules Kounde in the line-up. Denied a first senior goal by the foot of the far post after close control and skills in the box that Lamine Yamal would have been proud of.
Ronald Araujo (6/10):
His impact in an attacking sense was felt when leaping for the ball in Andre Ferreira's eyeline likely contributed to the weak punch that gave Raphinha the chance to equalise.
Andreas Christensen (6/10):
This was just his third appearance of the season and a first start since the opening day back in August. Came through fine after the early disappointment of conceding.
Gerard Martin (8/10):
Hasn't instilled massive confidence during Alejandro Balde's absence and endured a tough night in Milan in midweek. But this was much better and he will take big confidence from a fine assist, especially important given that Balde is still a doubt for the Inter return.
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Pedri (7/10):
Created a few chances in the first half with his passing and vision, but didn't return after the break.
Fermin Lopez (7/10):
Proved to be the match-winner in the end. Took the decisive goal well and was generally a threat.
Gavi (7/10):
There may be a litle concern over his night ending slightly prematuresly through injury. Had done well on and off the ball.
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Dani Rodriguez (6/10):
Flick was sufficiently confident the teenager would rise to the occasion on his senior debut. But after impressing in flashes, his evening was over with a suspected dislocated shoulder inside the first half.
Pau Victor (5/10):
So often the forgotten supporting act in the Dani Olmo saga this summer, Victor was handed just a second La Liga start. But 12 touches of the ball in an hour on the pitch is hardly the way to get noticed.
Ansu Fati (6/10):
Tried to make the most of a rare start and drew a fine save from Andre Ferreira half an hour in. Did okay but was withdrawn at half-time because it was clear Barcelona needed more.
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Lamine Yamal (8/10):
Might not have expected to play much of a part in this one, but Rodriguez's first half injury forced the switch. Made Barcelona better.
Frenkie de Jong (7/10):
Ensured Barcelona weren't losing the ball in midfield and helped grind Valladolid down.
Raphinha (8/10):
Underlined his importance to this team and their fortunes with the clinical equalising goal that changed the game.
Dani Olmo (5/10):
Filled a 'false nine' role but saw very little of the ball.
Eric Garcia (N/A):
Replaced Gavi 79 minutes in.
Hansi Flick (6/10):
He would have known it was a big gamble to make such sweeping changes to his team, especially with the La Liga title race hardly sewn up. The fact that both De Jong and Raphinha appeared at the interval would suggest he decided it was a mistake. At least he could admit it wasn't working and made the changes with plenty of time to take effect.