PREVIEW: FC Barcelona v Real Valladolid

After a 0-0 draw in their opening fixture against Rayo Vallecano, and then a slow start against Real Sociedad in their first away trip, things didn’t get off to the brightest of starts for FC Barcelona in La Liga 2022/23.

But then everything seems to click majestically into place in the second half at the Reale Arena. The Catalans looked simply fantastic as they cantered to a 4-1 win, and everyone is now looking forward to seeing more of the same as they return to Spotify Camp Nou to take on newly promoted Real Valladolid.

The game kicks off at 7.30pm CEST on Sunday. After their return to top flight football got off to a sorry start with 3-0 defeat at home to Villarreal, the visitors showed what they are capable of doing by going to Sevilla and earning a 0-0 draw last weekend.

Team news

Xavi has no injuries or suspensions to worry about for this game. He will be announcing the squad on the day of the match.

Did you know?

Barça are unbeaten in 15 league games against the pucelanos, and 14 of those were wins with just one draw. Since 2008/09, Barça have scored more goals (40) against them than any other team.

And more goals would be very nice, because after failing to score in their last two home fixtures, Barça don’t want to for three scoreless games in their stadium for the first time 1980.

Against a side that hasn’t won away in its last 11 Liga matches, there’s a good chance of that happening.

If he plays, Gavi will become the first player born in 2003 or later to play 50 games across all competitions for FC Barcelona.

Valladolid coach Pacheta played Barça 12 times as a player and never won. As a coach (at Huesca), he also lost his only game against the Catalans.

Alexia to parade trophy

Prior to kick-off, the captain of the Barça women’s team Alexia Putellas will be showing off her UEFA Player of the Year award to the fans. She became the first ever player to win the honour twice in a row, although since July she has sadly been side-lined with a long-term injury.

Xavi says

"We all admire Pacheta. He has surprised me as a manager. He is brave, attack-minded and methodological. Valladolid are doing things well. We will have to go full on to get the three points."

"Ansu Fati is progressing well. He’s making a difference even when he only comes on for half an hour."

"We won’t be predictable this season. We’ll vary things depending on the opponent, the situation, the players…"

"I spoke clearly to Gerard Piqué before the holidays, telling him that we’d be bringing in new players and that it wouldn’t be easy for him."

"Martin Braithwaite is a Barça player and has a contract, but I have told him since May 17 that he’s not part of my plans."

"We are well covered at left back with Balde and Jordi, but we only have Dest as a natural right back and he knows my position. We hope to sign a right back."

"As for Koundé, we will never adulterate the competition. We are optimistic about registering him, we need to get the numbers to fit."

"Ter Stegen is a different kind of leader. He is modest, professional, hard working, and he’s saved us so many times."

"I’m sure we have the hardest Champions League group of all. The hardest in the last 20 years. But we have made good signings and will be aiming to qualify."