Barcelona marches toward La Liga title before Inter Milan decider in Champions League

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Raphinha and Fermín López saved Barcelona from a stumble at relegated Valladolid on Saturday, helping it close on the La Liga title before a crunch Champions League match at Inter Milan.

Halftime substitute Raphinha canceled out Valladolid’s first-half opener in the 54th minute. López continued his quietly superb season by bagging the winner six minutes later for a 2-1 road victory.

Hansi Flick played with fire by rotating his starting XI ahead of Tuesday’s trip to Milan, where Barcelona and Inter will see which can tip the balance in their semifinal after delivering a 3-3 thriller this week in Spain.

“I am happy that we won the three points, but I am also happy that some players had less minutes before the important match against Inter on Tuesday,” Flick said.

Even though his team was trailing 0-1 at halftime, Flick stuck to his plan to play only top midfielder Pedri González for the first half before replacing him with Frenkie de Jong. First-choice center backs Pau Cubarsí and Íñigo Martínez didn't play.

Valladolid made a surprising start when Iván Sánchez’s shot deflected off Ronald Araújo, hit the turf and looped over goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who was making his first start since recovering from a right knee injury in September.

Barcelona was stalled until Lamine Yamal replaced injured debutant Daniel Rodríguez, whose first game ended after just over half an hour when he hurt his right arm.

Raphinha replaced an ineffective Ansu Fati at halftime. The Brazil forward, who has come through in the clutch for Barcelona this season, drilled in a loose ball after goalie André Ferreira punched a cross by Yamal to the edge of the area. Fermín followed up moments later with a precise, low strike into the corner.

Yamal had a goal-bound shot saved on the line by Valladolid's Antonio Candela in the 80th. The 17-year-old also delivered the dribble of the match, when he spun with the ball to twirl past two defenders.

Barcelona opened a seven-point gap over Real Madrid, which it beat last weekend in the Copa del Rey final to launch its bid for a treble.

Madrid hosts Celta Vigo on Sunday. After this round there will be four games left, including a clasico in Barcelona next weekend.

“I was really eager to play and enjoy being on the field. And there is no better way to return than with a win,” Ter Stegen said on his first appearance in seven months. “We are keeping up the momentum ahead of some spectacular games.”

Flick had said that Ter Stegen would see some action in La Liga but that Wojciech Szczesny will continue to play in the Champions League.

Defender Andreas Christensen made his first start of the season in defense after a long injury absence.

Barcelona midfielder Gavi Páez asked to be substituted late in the game. It is unclear if it was due to muscle cramps or a possible injury. Barcelona already has striker Robert Lewandowski, right back Jules Koundé and left back Alejandro Balde on its injury list.

Valladolid was relegated last week after winning just four of 33 games before Barcelona came to the city in north-western Spain.

Valladolid’s disgruntled fans protested against club owner, Brazil and Real Madrid great Ronaldo, before and during the Barcelona game. Supporters waved fliers that looked like 500-euro notes with the face of Ronaldo and the message in English “Ronaldo go home” on them before tossing them toward the turf. They also chanted for him to leave.

Third-placed Atletico Madrid drew at Alavés 0-0 as Diego Simeone was left five points behind fierce rival Real Madrid.

Ayoze Pérez's double led Villarreal to a 4-2 win over Osasuna and reinforced its hold on fifth place, which next season will earn a Champions League berth. Real Betis, in sixth, was four points behind with a game in hand.

Hugo Duro scored twice for Valencia as it won at Las Palmas 3-2 and kept the Canary Islands club in the relegation zone.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Barcelona's Andreas Christensen, left, and Valladolid's Marcos Andre challenge for the ball during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valladolid and FC Barcelona at the Jose Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid, Spain, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, centre, controls the ball during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valladolid and FC Barcelona at the Jose Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid, Spain, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal, centre, and Valladolid's Antonio Candela, left, challenge for the ball during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valladolid and FC Barcelona at the Jose Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid, Spain, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Barcelona's Raphinha, left, and Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong celebrate after the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valladolid and FC Barcelona at the Jose Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid, Spain, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Barcelona's Fermin Lopez, centre, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valladolid and FC Barcelona at the Jose Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid, Spain, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Valladolid's fans hold banners read "Ronaldo go home" during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valladolid and FC Barcelona at the Jose Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid, Spain, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

A poster with a portrait of Real Valladolid owner Ronaldo lays on a floor at the Jose Zorrilla stadium during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valladolid and FC Barcelona in Valladolid, Spain, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Valladolid's Ivan Sanchez, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valladolid and FC Barcelona at the Jose Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid, Spain, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Barcelona's Pau Victor, right, shoots the ball during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valladolid and FC Barcelona at the Jose Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid, Spain, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal warms up before the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valladolid and FC Barcelona at the Jose Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid, Spain, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Barcelona's head coach Hansi Flick waits for the start of the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valladolid and FC Barcelona at the Jose Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid, Spain, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Barcelona's Lamine Yamal sits on a bench before the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valladolid and FC Barcelona at the Jose Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid, Spain, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Barcelona's Pau Victor shoots the ball during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valladolid and FC Barcelona at the Jose Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid, Spain, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Barcelona's Raphinha runs during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valladolid and FC Barcelona at the Jose Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid, Spain, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Barcelona's Ronald Araujo, centre, and Valladolid's Juanmi Latasa challenge for the ball during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Valladolid and FC Barcelona at the Jose Zorrilla stadium in Valladolid, Spain, Saturday, May 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

HONOLULU (AP) — Brooks Koepka is returning to the PGA Tour just five weeks after bolting from LIV Golf, agreeing to a one-time program for elite players that comes with a financial penalty that could rank among the largest in sports.

Koepka plans to resume his PGA Tour career in the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines at the end of the month.

But he will not be eligible for PGA Tour equity grants for five years, he will not receive FedEx Cup bonus money in 2026 and he cannot play signature events unless he earns his way in.

The out-of-pocket cost is a $5 million charity donation to be decided jointly with the tour. The financial repercussions — no access to equity or FedEx Cup bonus money this year — is a potential loss the tour puts at $50 million and upward.

Brian Rolapp, the CEO of PGA Tour Enterprises, outlined the agreement with Koepka and details of the “Returning Member Program” in a memo to players Monday. A copy of the memo was obtained by The Associated Press.

Rolapp made clear, however, this was a one-time program and not a precedent.

It applies only to players who have won majors or The Players Championship from 2022 through 2025, meaning Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith would be the only LIV players who could return. They have three weeks to decide.

Koepka will have to earn his way into $20 million signature events. He would be added to the field to not take a spot from another tour player.

The board, which has a majority of players led by Tiger Woods, approved the program.

Rolapp described Koepka’s case as a “unique situation.” He said the solution was guided by what would make the PGA Tour stronger, preserving playing opportunities for current members and responding to fans who want to see all the best players together.

But this is far from an open path back for LIV players if they want to return. The program had the tone of an ultimatum for the trio of stars still in the Saudi-funded league.

“Only those who have recently achieved the highest accomplishments in the game are eligible to return to the PGA Tour, where the best players in the world compete, week in and week out,” Rolapp wrote. “This is a one-time, defined window and is not a precedent for future situations.

“Once the door closes, there is no promise that this path will be available again.”

This can be viewed as catering to the stars — the tour has a history of that with the Player Impact Program and sponsor exemptions — but the stars are limited to a four-year window of big wins.

Those ineligible to return under this program — assuming they even want to — include Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, seven-time LIV winner Joaquin Niemann, Ryder Cup player Tyrrell Hatton of England and Patrick Reed.

Koepka, a five-time major champion, was one of the biggest names to sign with LIV Golf in June 2022. He said in a 2023 podcast with boxer Jake Paul that his contract was for at least $100 million and that “I signed for the dough.”

Koepka, in a brief telephone interview, said he wasn't entirely sure the PGA Tour would allow him back this quickly but “I'm grateful it's come to this.”

“I've got a lot of work to do with some of the players,” he said about the reception he gets. “There's definitely guys who are happy, and definitely guys who will be angry. It's a harsh punishment financially. I understand exactly why the tour did that — it's meant to hurt. But it (his departure) hurt a lot of people.”

Rolapp said he understands there will be questions about holding a defector to LIV accountable, “especially after earning substantial compensation elsewhere.”

"Ultimately, by accepting membership in the Returning Member category, Brooks is making the decision to return to the PGA Tour now — something our fans want, and something that strengthens both the game and our organization.”

The financial penalty is based largely on the value of the equity and how the 35-year-old Koepka performs. Assuming he averages a top-30 finish over the next five years and holds his equity shares until he is 50, tour officials estimate the potential loss of earnings at anywhere from $50 million to as high as $85 million.

Otherwise, he is back in the fold, exempt through 2028 based on his 2023 victory in the PGA Championship. He also would be eligible for the Presidents Cup and the indoor TGL league.

But he cannot receive sponsor exemptions to the $20 million signature events. He could only become eligible by qualifying, either with a PGA Tour victory or in two categories that reward current play.

In an effort to protect current players, Rolapp said Koepka would be added to the field at any such tournament he gets in. That includes the FedEx Cup playoffs. If he qualifies this year, the tour would take the 71st player in the standings for the postseason opener, and 51st and 31st players if Koepka advances to the Tour Championship.

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf

FILE - Brooks Koepka tees off on the 15th hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament at Oakmont Country Club Friday, June 13, 2025, in Oakmont, Pa. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

FILE - Brooks Koepka laughs while talking with Justin Thomas, left, on the 15th fairway during a practice round at the Masters golf tournament, Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)