(Football news) Barcelona have already been crowned La Liga 2022/23 champions but they have now lost both their matches since. On the weekend Barcelona lost 2-1 to Real Sociedad at home and now they have lost 3-1 to Real Valladolid. The Blaugrana clearly looked like a team that had nothing to play for. The result has taken Valladolid out of the relegation zone for the time being. They still need a couple of similar results but this is a game changer for them. Barcelona wouldn’t mind it much as they have already sealed the title. Xavi’s main goal is to identify next season’s squad as Barcelona need to sell a few players in the summer. 

Eric Garcia started in midfield as he has done on a few occasions. Xavi is most likely testing out if Garcia can be Sergio Busquets’ replacement next season. 20 year old Pablo Torre started on the left wing ahead of Ousmane Dembele, Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati. Jules Kounde, Ronald Araujo and Pedri were unavailable due to their respective injuries. Xavi has clearly started to plan for next season. Lionel Messi’s return is definitely on the cards but the financial aspect makes it very difficult. Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati’s time at Barcelona could well be coming to an end as neither of them seems to have Xavi’s trust. 

Valladolid opened the scoring inside 2 minutes as Darwin Machis’ cross was diverted in by Andreas Christensen. Eric Garcia fouled Gonzalo Plata in the box after which the referee pointed to the spot. Cyle Larin stepped up and slotted the penalty home. Gonzalo Plata scored a 3rd goal in the 73rd minute to seal the match. Robert Lewandowski did get a goal back but it turned out to be just a consolation. Valladolid still need Getafe to drop points against Real Betis to stay out of the relegation zone.

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