Barcelona travels to face already-relegated Real Valladolid on Saturday, aiming to make it four consecutive La Liga wins and extend their lead at the top of the table. While Valladolid has nothing left to play for but pride, Barcelona is focused on maintaining momentum ahead of the Champions League semi-final second leg and keeping Real Madrid at bay in the title race.
Match Context
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Real Valladolid are bottom of La Liga with just 16 points from 33 matches, already relegated after a disastrous campaign. They have lost their last seven league games, including a 5-1 thrashing by Real Betis, and have the league’s worst defense (81 goals conceded) and attack (24 goals scored). Their last win came back in January.
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Barcelona lead La Liga with 76 points from 33 games, four points clear of Real Madrid. The Blaugrana are unbeaten in their last four league matches and have scored 13 goals in that span. With the Champions League semi-final second leg looming, Hansi Flick is expected to rotate his squad, but the Catalans know a win would put them seven points clear before Madrid play on Sunday.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Real Valladolid
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Out: Karl Hein, Henrique Silva
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Doubtful: Javi Sanchez, Kenedy
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Likely XI (4-4-2): Ferreira; Perez, Comert, Aidoo, Aznou; Machís, Chuki, Juric, Amallah, Moro; Sylla
Barcelona
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Out: Robert Lewandowski, Marc Bernal, Jules Kounde, Marc Casado, Alejandro Balde
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Expected to rest several starters with the Champions League in mind. Marc-André ter Stegen is set to make his first start in over seven months after recovering from injury.
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Likely XI (4-2-3-1): Ter Stegen; Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Araujo, Martin; Gavi, Pedri; Fati, Fermin Lopez, Yamal; Torres
Key Stats
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Barcelona won the reverse fixture 7-0 earlier this season.
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Valladolid have lost their last seven league games and are on a 14-match winless run.
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Barcelona are unbeaten in their last four league games and have only lost once in their last 28 matches across all competitions.
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Valladolid have the worst home record in La Liga, collecting just 13 points from 16 home matches.
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Barcelona have won 15 of the last 17 meetings between the sides.
Player to Watch: Lamine Yamal
The 17-year-old winger has been a standout for Barcelona, contributing 6 goals and 12 assists in La Liga this season. Yamal has been especially dangerous away from home, scoring five of his six league goals on the road. He comes into this match in excellent form after strong performances against Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
Real Valladolid vs Barcelona Prediction
Given the gulf in quality, form, and motivation, Barcelona are overwhelming favorites. Even with a rotated squad, the Catalans should have too much for a demoralized Valladolid side.
Real Valladolid 0-4 Barcelona
Barcelona are expected to cruise to a comfortable win, extending their lead at the top and piling more misery on Valladolid before the Champions League decider in midweek.
Real Valladolid vs Barcelona Live Stream
Watch online via NaijaSport247
