Real Valladolid 3-1 Barcelona: Champions suffer big loss as hosts get survival boost and Raphinha sends Vinicius message

Real Valladolid gave their survival hopes a huge boost thanks to a 3-1 win over Barcelona

Real Valladolid came into the match desperately needing points for their survival fund and they made the perfect start by scoring after just two minutes. Darwin Machis whipped in an inviting cross and Andreas Christensen could only divert his header past Marc-Andre Ter Stegen and into his own goal.

Paulo Pezzolano’s side doubled their advantage in the 22nd minute when Cyle Larin stepped up to dispatch his penalty after Gonzalo Plata was brought down by Eric Garcia.

As expected, Xavi’s side started to push forward with more purpose and intensity and Jordi Masip had to pull off a couple of fine saves to deny Raphinha and Christensen.

Valladolid came within inches of going 3-0 up on the hour mark but were denied by the woodwork. Gonzalo Plata fired in a terrific cross looking for Larin who was unable to make clean contact and the ball struck the post.

Real Valladolid made it 3-0 15 minutes from time courtesy of a superb counter-attack. Larin timed his run to perfection to burst through before firing the ball across to Plata who was on hand to stroke home.

The hosts were denied by the woodwork for a second time with 10 minutes to go when Lucas Rosa’s clipped effort struck the post.

Robert Lewandowski scored what would prove to be a mere consolation for Barcelona five minutes from time when he rounded Masip and found the back of the net with a fine finish.

More to follow.