Barcelona thrashing prompts Real Valladolid boss Paulo Pezzolano to make grovelling apology to entire 'city'

The odds weren't in Valladolid's favour when they made the trip to Barcelona on Saturday, but a 7-0 defeat was far worse than expected. The score was 3-0 to Hansi Flick's side by half-time and Raphinha completed his hat-trick as the hosts ran riot in the second half.

Real Valladolid secured promotion back to La Liga at the first time of asking last season, but this was a humbling defeat. Pezzolano's side had made a solid account of themselves beforehand, though, beating Espanyol in their season-opener and producing an impressive defensive display at Real Madrid before two late goals worsened the scoreline. The 41-year-old's honesty will likely soften the blow to Valladolid and their supporters as they look to remain in the Spanish top-flight.

"I want to apologise to the supporters and the city, they don't deserve it. We didn't compete today. It was pitiful. There's no other word, there are no excuses. We put the best we have on the pitch and we couldn't compete."

Pezzolano will certainly be pleased to have away games against Real Madrid and Barcelona out of the way. The international break gives the Uruguayan the chance to assess the opening weeks of the season ahead of Pucela's meeting with Celta Vigo on September 15.