The Japan Times - Barca stay on Liga title track with Valladolid comeback

The Catalan giants heavily rotated with Tuesday's Champions League semi-final clash at Inter Milan their priority and fell behind to Ivan Sanchez's early deflected goal.

However second half strikes by Raphinha and Fermin Lopez powered Barca seven points clear of second-place champions 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.

"He showed how good he is, how he can perform and it's good to see that," said Flick, confirming Wojciech Szczesny would return against Inter and next weekend against Real Madrid.

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

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 and saved well from Ansu Fati.

Ter Stegen made a fine save to deny Raul Moro, who broke in down the left and might have doubled the hosts' lead.

Barca debutant Dani Rodriguez suffered a shoulder injury which needed heavy bandaging, and Flick took the midfielder off for teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.

The 17-year-old shone against Inter in midweek and despite the coach initially hoping he could rest at the Jose Zorilla stadium, with Barca behind Flick was glad to bring him on.

Yamal was involved as the Catalans levelled, with his dangerous cross pushed to the edge of the box by Ferreira.

Substitute Raphinha picked up the loose ball and slid home his 16th league goal of the campaign.

Seven minutes later Barca took the lead, with Martin sliding the ball across for Lopez to finish from just inside the area.

Araujo made a vital interception in his area in stoppage time to keep the bottom side at bay, with Barca relieved to clinch a vital victory.

"When you make nine changes in the line-up, it's not easy for these guys who came in," admitted Flick.

"In the end I'm satisfied with three more points and we gave some players less minutes, and this is good for me."

- Atletico limp on -

Atletico Madrid were held to a dull 0-0 draw at relegation-battling Alaves.

Diego Simeone's side have little to play for in the final weeks of the season, sitting third with Champions League qualification virtually assured and leaders Barcelona nine points ahead of them.

Alaves, however, moved provisionally 16th, three points clear of the relegation zone with an important point against their illustrious visitors.

Antonio Sivera saved a Lino long-range effort, Atletico's first shot on target, with around 20 minutes remaining as what had been a soporific battle burst belatedly into life.

Jan Oblak made a superb low stop to thwart Kike Garcia from close range as Eduardo Caudet's hosts almost found a way through.

Sivera clawed out a Clement Lenglet effort as Atletico threatened but could not find a winner.

"Neither side could get the upper hand... the game was played in the middle of the pitch without any danger," admitted Simeone.

Ayoze Perez struck twice for Villarreal as they beat Osasuna 4-2 to close in on Champions League qualification for next season.

The top five La Liga teams qualify and the Yellow Submarine are currently fifth, four points clear of Real Betis who visit Espanyol on Sunday.

K.Inoue--JT