FC Barcelona will go up against Real Valladolid on 3rd May, away from home at the José Zorrilla Stadium. This game is the match-day 34 of the La Liga season. Let’s discuss what we could expect in this exciting matchup.
The Importance
Barcelona is in great form in La Liga this year, the Catalans have managed to be unbeaten in 26 games out of 27 this year. Barcelona’s last game was UEFA Champions League semi-final first-leg against Inter Milan, which ended in a 3-3 draw with a poor defensive display from Barcelona. Before that Barcelona went up against Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, which the Catalans lifted with a narrow 3-2 win. The 2024/25 season has reached its final stretch, there are only five league games left, and two potential European games with each being title deciding for Barcelona. In La Liga, Real Madrid is giving Barcelona a tough time, and with only La Liga left for them they will give a fight till the very end. Barcelona have to treat every game as a final.
This game against Valladolid is of immense importance and Barcelona needs to perform well and take the three points home. Barcelona should continue their form and should get the better of Valladolid. A single mistake could cost us big time, at this time of the season even a draw will be a loss for us. At this crunch period, Barcelona is also facing injury problems and we could witness risky rotations in this away fixture.
Expected LineupS
Hansi Flick is expected to make risky rotations in this game, giving rest to the main players so the UEFA Champions League game against Inter is prioritized. Barcelona will be missing Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, and Alejandro Balde due to injuries, the trio is a major missing as all three were equally crucial the whole season. Barcelona’s possible starting lineup: Ter Stegen; Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Araujo, Martin; Gavi, Pedri; Fati, Fermin Lopez, Yamal; Torres.
Ter Stegen who will be returning after a four-month-long injury could make an appearance in this game, despite the Polish goalkeeper being the main goalkeeper for European games. In defense, Eric Garcia might replace Kounde. Garcia replaced Kounde in the game against Inter and played an outstanding game out of position, he has excelled well under Hansi Flick and might just do the job in Kounde’s absence. Inigo Martinez might be rested, he has been excellent for the team and deserves a rest so he could be ready for the game at San Siro. Gerard Martin will start in place of Balde, though not the best against Inter Martin might find it easy against this La Liga side. Frenkie being rested is a good decision, but Pedri should also get some rest. The plan may be to sub Pedri off in the second half. Fati might get a chance in the eleven once again, this is another chance for him to prove to Flick why he deserves to stay.
Real Valladolid: Ferreira; Perez, Comert, Aidoo, Aznou; Machis, Chuky, Juric, Amallah, Moro; Sylla. This is the predicted lineup according to 101greatgoals.com.