FC Barcelona continued their charge toward the La Liga title with a hard-fought 2-1 away win over Real Valladolid at the Estadio José Zorrilla on Saturday, May 3, 2025. Goals from Raphinha and Fermín López helped the Catalans overturn an early deficit and extend their lead at the top of the table.

Barcelona fell behind in just the 6th minute when Iván Sánchez fired Valladolid ahead after a deflected cross from Raúl Moro. The ball skipped past Marc-André ter Stegen, who was making his long-awaited return to action after a seven-month injury absence. The early goal stunned Barcelona, who fielded a rotated lineup in preparation for their crucial Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter Milan.

Despite a sluggish first half, Xavi Hernández’s side came to life in the second period. Substitutes played a pivotal role in the comeback, with Lamine Yamal providing the spark down the right flank. In the 54th minute, Yamal’s driven cross was parried into the path of Raphinha, who smashed in the equalizer with a well-struck half-volley.

Just six minutes later, Fermín López completed the turnaround for Barcelona. The young midfielder latched onto a clever pass from Gerard Martín before finishing low into the bottom corner to give Barça a 2-1 lead.

Valladolid pushed for a late equalizer, but Ter Stegen was solid in goal, denying Juanmi Latasa with a key save and watching another shot from Raúl Moro flash just wide. Barcelona held firm to claim their seventh straight league victory and maintain momentum in both domestic and European competitions.

With this result, Barcelona move seven points clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who still have a game in hand. The win puts added pressure on Madrid ahead of their next fixture and sets up a high-stakes El Clásico later this month.

The result also marks another important confidence boost for Xavi’s men as they prepare for their next Champions League clash. Raphinha’s form, Fermín’s emergence, and the return of Ter Stegen are all timely positives for a squad aiming to secure a league and European double.