FC Barcelona defeated Valladolid in Pucela (1-2) in Marc-André ter Stegen's return to action. The Barça captain played again 223 days after his knee injury against Villarreal and did so with an outstanding performance.
Despite conceding a goal in the 6th minute, the German completed a total of 3 key saves for Barça to leave the José Zorrilla with three points that leave them one win away from consummating the LaLiga title.
Valladolid opened the scoring thanks to a goal from Iván Sánchez that surprised Ter Stegen. The midfielder took advantage of a deflection off Ronald Araujo to leave the Barça '1' without a reaction, against a ball that took a strange effect to end up entering the goal.
Ter Stegen went from less to more in his return against Valladolid
Barça struggled to turn the result around in the first half where, despite having up to 80% possession, the 'culés' had problems finishing attacks in the rival area. The locals, on the other hand, created danger with some counterattacks.
Marc-André had his first intervention in the 11th minute, stopping a low shot from Raúl Moro entering from the left side. In the second half, already with the 'azulgrana' team in advantage, the German reappeared with two interventions of pure reflex.
The first, in the 67th minute after a header from the recently entered Juanmi Latasa. The Spanish striker would test the reflexes of the 'culé' captain again in the 74th minute, with a shot near the post that the '1' sent to the corner with a saving slap.
Despite dominating the entire match, Barcelona suffered more than expected to take the victory. In his return, Ter Stegen was impeccable with the ball at his feet, with 19 successful passes (100%) and 9 balls recovered.
Ter Stegen, happy to reappear with a fundamental victory for Barça
After the match, the 'azulgrana' goalkeeper expressed his joy at being able to return with a victory that brings Barça closer to their 28th League title. This would be the sixth consecration for the German in the tournament.
"We continue with the same dynamic that was important. Looking forward to facing the next few weeks, which are going to be beautiful for everyone," he began by saying in his chat with 'DAZN'.
In that sense, he valued the team's reaction against a rival, beyond having consummated their relegation, always complicated as a local.
"When you're 1-0 down, it gets complicated on any field. They had nothing to lose, I regret that they are going to Segunda because it is a spectacular team with this fan base. We are focused on our thing, three points and go home," he pointed out.
In addition, he recognized the work of Hansi Flick, who after the match settled the debate in the 'azulgrana' goal. Szczesny, for now, will continue to be the starter in La Liga and Champions League for the last month of competition.
"He finds a good balance, gives importance to everyone, although in the end there are some who play more and others less. In the end we are a team, if we all win better and enjoy as a team, the truth is yes," Ter Stegen argued.