Barcelona Battle Back At Valladolid To Preserve La Liga Title Charge

Barcelona survived a scare as they came from behind to beat already-relegated Real Valladolid 2-1 on Saturday to extend their La Liga lead and move one step closer to the title. The Catalan giants heavily rotated with Tuesday's Champions League semi-final clash at Inter Milan in mind and fell behind to Ivan Sanchez's early deflected goal. However second half strikes by Raphinha and Fermin Lopez helped Barca climb seven points clear of second-place champions Real Madrid, who host Celta Vigo on Sunday ahead of the Clasico on May 11.

Barca coach Hansi Flick kept just two players who started the blockbuster 3-3 first leg draw with Inter on Wednesday in his side -- Pedri Gonzalez and Gerard Martin.

Flick brought in his German compatriot Marc-Andre ter Stegen in goal, after a long injury lay-off, for his first appearance since September.

"I was really looking forward to playing this game and it's always better with a win for the team," Ter Stegen told DAZN.

"We stayed in the same dynamic, which was super important, and we're excited for the weeks ahead of us with spectacular games."

It did not start in dream fashion for the goalkeeper -- within six minutes Ter Stegen was picking the ball out of his net.

Martin's shot from the right of the area deflected off Ronald Araujo and looped past Ter Stegen, into the far top corner.

Despite going ahead against the league leaders, home fans protested against Valladolid majority owner and president Ronaldo, the former Brazil great, by throwing around fake banknotes with his face on them and chanting for him to leave.

Valladolid goalkeeper Andre Ferreira tipped over Pau Victor's header after Fermin Lopez picked out the forward with a curling cross and saved well from Ansu Fati.

Ter Stegen