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Barca beat Valladolid to go seven points clear

Barcelona came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over already-relegated Real Valladolid, extending their lead at the top of La Liga to seven points ahead of Real Madrid.

Trailing early to a deflected strike from Ivan Sanchez, Barcelona responded with second-half goals from substitutes Raphinha and Fermin Lopez, turning the game around in a six-minute spell at Estadio Jose Zorrilla.

With a Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter Milan looming, head coach Hansi Flick rotated heavily, making nine changes to the side that drew 3-3 in midweek.

The changes initially unsettled the league leaders, and Sanchez gave Valladolid a surprise lead with a shot from a tight angle that took a significant deflection.

Despite the early setback, Barcelona controlled much of the match, and the introduction of Lamine Yamal in the 38th minute — after an injury to debutant Dani Rodriguez — gave them a renewed attacking spark.

Raphinha equalised with a powerful low strike from the edge of the area — his 16th league goal of the season — before Lopez coolly slotted home to complete the turnaround.

Barcelona pushed for a third, with Hector Fort striking the post and Yamal seeing an effort cleared off the line, but the two goals were enough to extend their unbeaten league run to 15 matches, including 13 wins.

The result means Real Madrid must beat Celta Vigo on Sunday to reduce the gap to four points ahead of their clash with Barcelona on May 11.

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