Real Valladolid’s home clash against Barcelona on Saturday turned chaotic as furious fans staged a dramatic protest targeting club president Ronaldo Nazario. The match, played at the Nuevo Zorrilla Stadium, was interrupted in the 12th minute when supporters hurled nearly 60,000 counterfeit €500 notes onto the pitch—each printed with Ronaldo’s face.
The protest was meticulously planned and led by the Real Valladolid Federation of Supporters’ Clubs along with the fan group Fondo Norte 1928. Their message was unambiguous: they’ve lost faith in Ronaldo’s leadership. The fake bills, designed in the club’s signature purple, symbolized what fans described as a “sell-out era” under the Brazilian football legend, who purchased the club for €30 million in 2018.
Security personnel scrambled to clear the pitch as players looked on in confusion. Loud chants of dissent echoed through the stadium, momentarily halting the match and overshadowing the football action. The fanbase’s anger has escalated following Valladolid’s confirmed relegation to Spain’s Segunda Division—an outcome that occurred with five games still left in the season. Supporters accuse Ronaldo of “systemic mismanagement and lack of ambition.”
WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:
? ? Comme l’avaient annoncé @FondoNorte1928 et @fdprvalladolid, 60 000 faux billets à l’effigie de Ronaldo ont été lancés à la 12e minute au José Zorrilla !#RealValladolidBarça pic.twitter.com/O2Tv2xlHsc
— 100% Liga (@FoudeLiga) May 3, 2025
Barcelona Win Amid Chaos
Despite the disruption, Barcelona managed to pull off a 2-1 comeback victory over Valladolid. Ivan Sanchez had given the hosts an early lead in the sixth minute with a deflected strike. However, Raphinha came off the bench to equalize in the 54th minute, and Fermin Lopez secured the win with a long-range screamer, assisted by Gerard Martín.
The victory pushed Barcelona to 79 points—seven clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who face Celta Vigo on Sunday. Hansi Flick’s men now prepare for a crucial Champions League semifinal second leg against Inter Milan, following a thrilling 3-3 first-leg draw.
