In a week packed with important matches, Barcelona returns to LaLiga for a game that, on paper, looks straightforward, but Real Valladolid, now relegated and with nothing to play for, could prove to be a poisoned chalice that complicates Barça’s domestic title race against Real Madrid, who are four points behind in the table and whom they face next weekend.
As we were saying, Barça is coming off a week full of emotions. Last weekend, they played the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid. It was a final in which they took the lead, but Real Madrid reacted. Ferran Torres arrived just in time to force extra time, and when penalties were looming on the horizon, Jules Koundé appeared as the hero to give FC Barcelona the Cup title.
With no time for celebrations, Barça played the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals against Inter Milan on Wednesday at Montjuic. Inter, who were reeling after losing the Coppa and the league lead, showed their hunger at Montjuic, where they quickly took a 2-0 lead, only for Barça to come back. Barça also reacted well to the Italians’ third goal, eventually leaving the score at 3-3, which leaves the tie open for the return leg on Tuesday 6 at San Siro.
In their last league game, Barça won at home against Mallorca. Barcelona was able to defeat Mallorca thanks to a solitary goal from Dani Olmo. The same result was achieved two games earlier at Butarque against Leganés (0-1).
Barça will be looking to close in on the title against a Real Valladolid side with nothing to play for. The Blanquivioletas are out of the running and are now mathematically relegated to the Second Division, but they will try to make things difficult for the leaders in front of a home crowd that will fill the Pucelano stadium.
Flick will rotate
Flick is not a fan of such radical changes, but he knows that this time he has no choice with Tuesday’s crucial Champions League final in mind. Everything points to changes even in goal, where Ter Stegen is set to return. Hansi has no choice but to protect most of his regulars, whom he wants fresh for the final in Milan.
Héctor Fort and Gerard Martín are likely to fill the full-back positions, while Christensen could be one of the center backs. In midfield, Gavi is likely to occupy one of the two places in the double pivot, either alongside Frenkie or Pedri. The attacking midfielder role would go to Fermín, and Flick could surprise in attack with Ansu Fati.
Possible Barça XI
Goalkeeper: Ter Stegen
Defenders: Gerard Martín, Christensen, Araujo, Héctor Fort
Midfielders: De Jong, Gavi, and Fermín
Forwards: Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, and Pau Víctor
Real Valladolid will have absences
Real Valladolid also has some important absences. Javi Sánchez, Aidoo, and Henrique Silva will not be available. Hein is doubtful.
Possible Real Valladolid XI
Goalkeeper: Ferreira
Defenders: Candela, Cömert, Cenk, Aznou
Midfielders: Mario Martín, Juric
Forwards: Anuar, Chuki, Raúl Moro; Latasa.