Newly-promoted Real Valladolid faces a formidable task as they gear up to take on the reigning champions, Barcelona.
Although Valladolid is fresh to the top flight, they've shown early-season grit, earning four points from their first three matches. This resilience will be key as they look to challenge Barcelona's unbeaten streak.
Barcelona, now under the tutelage of Hansi Flick following Xavi Hernández's departure at the end of last season, has made a perfect start to their campaign, winning all three of their opening games.
Flick's appointment has generated high expectations, with fans eager to see if he can replicate his previous successes and maintain the Catalan giants' dominance in Spanish football.
As the two sides prepare to meet, the focus will be on whether Valladolid can sustain their strong start or if Barcelona will continue to impose their supremacy at home turf.
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The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Barcelona vs. Real Valladolid live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this La Liga match in the U.S.:
TV channel: ESPN Deportes (Spanish language)
Live stream: ESPN+, ESPN App
This game is available for live TV broadcast on ESPN Deportes for Spanish viewers residing in the United States. Streaming options are available on ESPN+ and ESPN App.
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If this match is not available to watch live in your location or if you’re traveling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favourite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.
WATCH FROM ANYWHERE: Sign up for NordVPN (30-day moneyback guarantee)
What time does Barcelona vs. Real Valladolid kick off?
This La Liga clash takes place at the Olímpic Lluís Companys in Barcelona, Spain and kicks off on Saturday, August 31 at 5:00 p.m. local time.
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sat, Aug. 31 | 11:00 a.m. |
| Central Time | Sat, Aug. 31 | 10:00 a.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sat, Aug. 31 | 9:00 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sat, Aug. 31 | 8:00 a.m. |
Barcelona vs. Real Valladolid lineups, team news
Barcelona will enter their match against Real Valladolid with a depleted squad due to a series of injuries. Bernal's recent ACL injury, coupled with the ongoing absences of Andreas Christensen, Eric Garcia, Ansu Fati, Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, and Gavi, have significantly impacted the team's options.
Dani Olmo makes his full debut, and Alejandro Balde is also into the first XI. The match against Valladolid presents a challenging test for the Catalan giants as they navigate their injury crisis.
Barcelona confirmed XI (4-3-3, right to left): Ter Stegen(GK) — Kounde, Cubarsi, I Martinez, Balde — Olmo, Casado, Pedri — Yamal, Lewandowski, Raphinha.
Injured: Bernal, Garcia, Christensen, Fati, Araujo, De Jong, Gavi
Suspended: None
Real Valladolid face Barcelona with a relatively healthy squad, with only Anuar Tuhami unavailable. The visitors have been bolstered by the arrival of Juanmi Latasa from Real Madrid, who is on the bench again after some impressive cameos.
Ivan Sanchez comes into Paulo Pezzolano's starting XI on the right flank.
Real Valladolid predicted XI (4-4-2right to left): Hein(GK) — Perez, J Sanchez, Cumart, Rosa— I. Sanchez, K Perez, Juric, Moro — Amallah, Andre
Injured: Tuhami
Suspended: None
Barcelona vs. Real Valladolid Prediction
Although the visitors have enjoyed recent success against Barcelona, the Catalan giants' current form and home advantage make them strong favorites.
The match could well be a closely-contested affair but Barcelona's quality and determination will likely prevail in this scenario. A victory would further solidify their position at the top of the La Liga table and send a strong message to their rivals.
- Prediction: Barcelona 2-0 Real Valladolid
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La Liga fixture schedule this week
Monday, August 26
- Villarreal vs. Celta Vigo (3:30 p.m. ET)
Tuesday, August 27
- Real Mallorca vs. Sevilla (1:00 p.m. ET)
- Rayo Vallecano vs. Barcelona (3:30 p.m. ET)
Wednesday, August 28
- Athletic Bilbao vs. Valencia (1:00 p.m. ET)
- Real Valladolid vs. Leganés (1:00 p.m. ET)
- Real Betis vs. Getafe (Postponed)
- Atlético Madrid vs. Espanyol (3:30 p.m. ET)
- Real Sociedad vs. Alaves (3:30 p.m. ET)
Thursday, August 29
- Girona vs. Osasuna (1:00 p.m. ET)
- Las Palmas vs. Real Madrid (3:30 p.m. ET)
Saturday, August 31
- Barcelona vs. Real Valladolid (11 a.m. ET)
- Athletic Bilbao vs. Atletico Madrid (1:00 p.m. ET)
- Espanyol vs. Rayo Vallecano (1:15 p.m. ET)
- Leganes vs. Real Mallorca (3:30 p.m. ET)
- Valencia vs. Villareal (3:30 p.m. ET)