Real Valladolid were on the receiving end of a ruthless 7-0 defeat in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
Already-relegated Real Valladolid welcome table-toppers Barcelona to the Estadio Jose Zorrilla on Saturday evening. The hosts have endured a torrid campaign, sitting rock bottom with just 16 points from 33 games, while the visitors are four points clear at the summit with five matches to go.
Barcelona come into the contest on the back of a triumphant Copa del Rey final and a thrilling 3-3 draw with Inter Milan in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final, keeping their treble hopes alive. Another three points here could take them seven clear of Real Madrid and within touching distance of clinching the league title.
Valladolid, meanwhile, are playing only for pride after their fate was sealed earlier this month. They were on the receiving end of a ruthless 7-0 defeat in the reverse fixture this season. Saturday’s encounter presents an opportunity for the Catalans to take another decisive step towards domestic glory while Valladolid will want to bow out of La Liga with dignity.
Real Valladolid will once again be without goalkeeper Karl Hein and defender Henrique Silva. Centre-back Javi Sanchez is also expected to miss out after sustaining a knock in the recent clash against Real Betis, while Joseph Aidoo has been ruled out as well. With defensive options depleted, head coach Paulo Pezzolano will be forced to reshuffle his backline.
Winger Raul Moro remains a rare bright spot in a difficult season for Valladolid, having registered five goals and four assists in 29 La Liga appearances.
Ferreira; Perez, Comert, Aidoo, Aznou; Machis, Chuky, Juric, Amallah, Moro; Sylla
Barcelona will be without several key players for their trip to face Real Valladolid, with Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Marc Bernal, and Marc Casado all ruled out due to injury. Alejandro Balde has returned to training but remains a doubt for the clash, and with a crucial Champions League semi-final second leg on the horizon, head coach Hansi Flick is unlikely to take any risks with his fitness.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen is fully fit again after a long layoff and Hansi Flick confirmed that the German will start in goal. With squad rotation likely, the likes of Eric Garcia, Ronald Araujo, Gavi, and Ansu Fati will all be in contention to start here.
Ter Stegen; E Garcia, Cubarsi, Araujo, Martin; Gavi, Pedri; Fati, F Lopez, Yamal; Torres
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