Barcelona won a late, crucial victory over Real Valladolid thanks to Ousmane Dembele, moving Ronald Koeman’s team within a point of first-placed Atletico Madrid, but La Liga week 29 was marred by an on-field allegation of racism the day before.
Dembele cost Barcelona €105 million ($125 million) in 2017, but that figure could rise to €148 million ($171 million) if he meets the agreed-upon performance bonuses, according to Diario AS.
Dembele Shines
The Frenchman, who is still only 23 years old, provides Barcelona with speed and an appealing attacking option. Dembele volleyed in the winner with time running out against Valladolid, whose ex-Barcelona goalkeeper Jordi Masip made a string of confident saves on the night. He and his teammates were overjoyed. They had taken advantage of an Atletico defeat to Sevilla and would now face rivals Rea.
Valencia
However, there were more dramatic scenes during Cadiz’s home match against Valencia. After a half-hour delay, Valencia defender Mouctar Diakhaby informed referee David Medie Jimenez that he had received a racial insult from opponent Juan Cala.
Valencia expressed their support for their player after the match, which was eventually completed without substitutes Diakhaby and Cala. Valencia president Anil Murthy believed the report and stated that the club will “defend Mouctar Diakhaby to the fullest.” Cala, on the other hand, denied the allegations and Cadiz stood by him, condemning racism but stating that they “don’t doubt the integrity of the squad” in an official statement Cala said he “won’t hide” when speaking to the press on Tuesday, according to Marca.
Barcelona will need Dembele to be in much better form on Saturday if they are to earn their first Clasico victory in a long time. We saw the full range of what the Frenchman playing for barcelona is capable of against Valladolid. Pace, power, accuracy, and the ability to threaten with both feet.
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