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La Liga: Barca secure 2-1 win at Valladolid to preserve title charge

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Barcelona's Dutch midfielder #21 Frenkie De Jong and Barcelona's Spanish midfielder #06 Pablo Gavi celebrate their victory at the end of the Spanish league football match between Real Valladolid FC and FC Barcelona at the Jose Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid on May 3, 2025. (Photo by Cesar Manso / AFP)

Barcelona survived a scare as they came from behind to beat already-relegated Real Valladolid 2-1 on Saturday to extend their La Liga lead and move one step closer to the title.

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

However, second-half strikes by Raphinha and Fermin Lopez helped Barca climb seven points clear of second-place champions Real 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.

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 after Fermin Lopez picked out the forward with a curling cross and saved well from Ansu Fati.

Barca debutant Dani Rodriguez suffered a shoulder injury that 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.

The coach also took off Pedri and Ansu at half-time, sending on Raphinha and Frenkie de Jong to shake up his side.

After Yamal was fouled early in the second half Raphinha tested Ferreira with a free-kick from a wide angle which he pushed behind.

Barca’s two wingers were involved again as the Catalans levelled, with Yamal’s dangerous cross pushed to the edge of the box by Ferreira.

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.

Hector Fort came close to netting the third after Yamal found him with a backheel, turning skillfully in the box before firing against the post.

Ferreira pushed out a Dani Olmo free-kick in the final stages, with Barca unable to add to their lead.

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

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Club World Cup: Liam Delap speaks after providing assist on Chelsea debut

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New Chelsea striker, Liam Delap, has expressed his happiness at making his debut for the club.

Delap arrived from Ipswich Town this summer after the Blues triggered his 30million release clause.

Enzo Maresca started the 22-year-old on the bench for their Club World Cup opener against Los Angeles FC on Monday.

Delap came on with Chelsea leading 1-0 thanks to Pedro Neto and laid on the assist for the second scored for Enzo Fernandez in the 79th minute.

Speaking after the game, Delap told Channel 5: “It’s a really happy feeling for me. I’m so excited to be here and to play my first game and be able to contribute is a good feeling.

“The team have welcomed me really well. I have only had a few sessions here but I am excited for more.”

On if we can expect to see more assists from him, he added: “Yes of course it is good to help the team but I want to score some as well.”

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Club World Cup: We’ve never won it before – Vinicius rates Real Madrid’s chances

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Real Madrid winger, Vinicius Junior, has expressed confidence that his team will win this year’s FIFA Club World Cup.

According to the Brazilian, the new Club World Cup expanded format is the only title that the Los Blancos have never won before.

According to him, Xabi Alonso’s side are eager to win it because people never forget the first one.

Speaking ahead of Real Madrid’s first Club World Cup tie with Al-Hilal on Wednesday, Vinicius said as quoted by Madrid Xtra: “We are eager to win this first Club World Cup because people never forget the first one.

“It’s the only title Real Madrid doesn’t have. We are going for it,” he stated.

Real Madrid are in Group H of the Club World Cup, taking place in the USA.

The Spanish LaLiga giants will also face Pachuca and RB Salzburg in the group stage.

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Transfer: Tottenham Hotspur interested in Onyedika

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Super Eagles midfielder, Raphael Onyedika is on the radar of Premier League club, Tottenham Hotspur.

The London club are trying to beef up their squad following the arrival of new manager Thomas Frank.

Frank have reportedly demanded for six new signings.

Onyedika has been linked with a move away from Belgian Pro League outfit, Club Brugge this summer.

The 24-year-old caught the eye with his impressive displays in the UEFA Champions League.

The defensive midfielder helped Club Brugge win the Belgian Cup.

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