Real Valladolid 1–2 Barcelona Player Ratings: Raphinha and Fermin Turn the Game Around After Early Valladolid Goal to Take All Three Points

Barcelona registered a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over a struggling Real Valladolid to consolidate their lead atop the La Liga table. With an eye on the upcoming second leg of the Champions League semifinal, Flick put out a much-changed Barca lineup. Key players were rested while a largely young side was fielded for the game.

It was rather evident from the start that the hosts were the more cohesive team of the two. Barcelona showed that most of the players selected were not on the same wavelength. And it is amid this sense that Valladolid took the lead against the run of play within the first 6 minutes of the game.

The goal came about in the most unlikely and bizarre ways. A continuous sequence for corner kicks sees a cross put to Ivan Sánchez, whose cross-um-shot took a wicked deflection that rendered every single Barcelona player helpless at that time. The ball arched above everyone and then went into the back of the net to the utter bewilderment of the visitors and their fans.

On the other hand, it was pure ecstasy for the Rayo faithful as they took the lead against the table-toppers. From there, it was Barcelona who took control of proceedings in terms of possession as well as shots on the opponent’s goal.

Pau Victor saw his header spectacularly saved by the Valladolid keeper. He also took a couple of shots that tamely went off target. Ansu Fati had an excellent curler destined for the corner if not for the goalie’s intervention.

However, that did not mean Valladolid had the chance to double their lead. It was Moro who sprang through and was on the verge of a 1v1, until he shot tamely at the keeper.

A couple of yellows, a serious-looking injury for debutant Dani Rodríguez, and compact defense from Valladolid ensured that the game tapered along to half-time without any further incident.

The second half saw Flick bring out all his big guns as he sought to turn the result around. His changes were vindicated as it took just 10 minutes to get on level terms, with a cool and unerring finish from Raphinha. Shortly after, they doubled their lead with a first-time effort from Fermin after some good work by Gerrard Martin on the left flank.

The two quick goals left Valladolid stunned as they could not muster a strong response despite having a couple of good chances to level things up. The result sees Barca enter the semifinals with confidence and momentum following this victory.

Here are the Real Valladolid vs Barcelona Player Ratings.

Real Valladolid Player Ratings

GK- André Ferreira- 6.5/10

Pulled out quite a few smart saves and was quick off his line on multiple instances as well. Tried to be a little too cheeky for his own good, which led him to concede the equaliser. Could not do much about the second goal.

RB- Antonio Candela- 5/10

Barely had the ball with him in terms of passes played. But did his work well with the clearances, where he had 5 of them, the biggest of which was a goal-line clearance off Yamal.

RCB- Eray Cömert- 5.5/10

He was more involved in defensive actions for his side and acquitted himself well. 6 clearances, 2 tackles, and 2 interceptions.

LCB- Cenk Özkaçar- 5/10

Nothing much to write home about. Could have done better to cover the angles for the equalising goal.

LB- Adam Aznou- 5/10

Gave the ball away quite often. Could not impose himself on the game as he would like to.

CDM- Stanko Jurić- 5.5/10

Tidy in possession. Strong on the ball and feisty in the tackle. A decent performance.

RW- Anuar- 6/10

Was defensively robust and tenacious. Time and again stopped many Barca attacks with his shielding and tackling. He was booked later.

RCM- Iván Sánchez- 7.5/10

Scored the goal early in the first half through a speculative cross-cum-shot, but that won’t matter much. He was a constant outlet on the right with his running and dribbling.

LCM- Selim Amallah- 6/10

Did very well. Created a big chance, was smooth in possession, and always kept things ticking nicely.

LW- Raúl Moro- 6/10

Was credited with the assist for the goal. He was crucial for his team as an outlet with the ball. Waned in influence during the second half as Barca took charge.

ST- Mamadou Sylla- 5/10

He was alright in spurts. Was a non-factor in the majority of the game. Booked for a cynical foul. Subbed

Sub- Amath Ndiaye- 5/10

A couple of good tackles. That was about it.

Sub- Juanmi Latasa- 5/10

A few good touches and a few crafty passes after coming on. Tried to keep the game moving.

Sub- Florian Grillitsch- N/A

Late Sub. Could not make much of an impact.

Sub- Chuky- 5/10

Almost gave the assist for the equaliser with his very first touch. Faded afterwards.

Sub- Mario Martin- N/A

Late sub. Did not make much of an impact.

Manager- Alvaro Rubio- 5/10

Started the game well with his side taking the lead, but had no answer once the stars of Barca came on from the bench. Will need to be much better with his substitutions.

Barcelona Player Ratings

GK- Marc-André ter Stegen- 5.5/10

Was caught unaware of the goal. Made three saves, the third of which was crucial to keep his side in the lead.

RB- Hector Fort- 6/10

Defended well and was often the player to kickstart attacks from the back. Held himself very effectively.

RCB- Ronald Araújo- 5/10

Does not look like the same dominant force he was earlier. Was booked late on. Needs to improve.

LCB- Andreas Christensen- 5/10

A quiet return to action for the Dane. Was booked. Did his defensive work reasonably well.

LB- Gerard Martín- 6.5/10

Constant attacking outlet from the left. Capped the game with the assist that gave Barca the lead

RCM- Pedri- 5/10

He was unusually quiet game for the midfield maestro. Did not get the space or the time to dictate proceedings from the middle of the park. Subbed at half-time.

CM- Gavi- 6/10

Cool, calm, and composed. Did what he does the best with consistency.

LCM- Fermín López- 6.5/10

Gave his side the lead with a well-taken finish. He was all over the place with his running and athleticism

RW- Dani Rodríguez- 4.5/10

An unfortunate ending for the youngster who was just starting to show glimpses of promise. Had a couple of good moments before the injury ended his game.

ST- Pau Víctor- 5/10

Had two very good chances in the first half to level the proceedings, but saw them saved. Was subbed on the hour mark.

LW- Ansu Fati- 5/10

Had one shot that was very well saved by the keeper. He was a passenger for most of the first half as he was well-marshalled by the backline. Subbed on the half

Sub- Lamine Yamal- 7.5/10

Had everything except the goal. Running, dribbling, and defensive work. This kid does it all, and with ease.

Sub- Frenkie de Jong- 5/10

Kept the ball moving and defended well enough. Job well done from the sub.

Sub- Raphinha- 6.5/10

Brought the game on level terms with a well-taken equaliser. Kept running and making a nuisance of himself by winning a couple of free kicks as well.

Sub- Dani Olmo- N/A

Late sub. Did not make much of an impact.

Sub- Eric Garcia- N/A

Late sub. Did not make much of an impact.

Manager- Hansi Flick- 7/10

Made a lot of changes with an eye on the midweek Champions League semis, and promptly fell behind. Got the expected result once he made the changes.

Sportsdunia Player of the Match goes to Lamine Yamal.