Barcelona fans have reason to celebrate as captain Marc-André ter Stegen is confirmed to start against Real Valladolid, marking his first appearance since suffering a major knee injury last September The German goalkeeper, sidelined for over seven months after a complete patellar tendon rupture, returns at a critical point in the La Liga title race.
Head coach Hansi Flick announced Ter Stegen’s comeback for Saturday’s clash at the Estadio José Zorrilla, a match Barcelona must win to maintain their four-point lead over Real Madrid with just five games left Flick is expected to heavily rotate his squad, resting key players ahead of the Champions League semifinal second leg against Inter Milan
Barcelona’s likely lineup features Ter Stegen in goal, with Héctor Fort, Ronald Araújo, Andreas Christensen, and Gerard Martín in defense. Gavi and Fermín López are set to join the midfield, while Ansu Fati, Ferran Torres, and Pau Víctor could lead the attack
Valladolid, already relegated and holding the league’s worst defensive record, will be eager to restore pride after a heavy 7-0 defeat in the reverse fixture With Ter Stegen back, all eyes will be on whether Barcelona can secure three vital points-or if the underdogs can spring a surprise.
