Laporta Rejects the Victim Card: Barcelona Ramps Up Confidence Ahead of El Clasico

Laporta Declares Barça Won’t Play the Victim Ahead of El Clasico

Barcelona president Joan Laporta addressed the 15th congress of the club’s supporters in the Andalusia region, as well as in Ceuta and Melilla, just hours before the Clasico. He praised the club’s current state and stressed that Barça will not default to a victim mentality in the face of Real Madrid.

In remarks relayed by Mundo Deportivo, Laporta said, “We are better off than before, we never slipped into pessimism, and we did not expect any trouble.” He added that he and the board feel stronger, more convinced, and more determined than ever to complete the club’s recovery in all aspects.

He called on all supporters to stay united, saying, “Barcelona love is unstoppable, so stay cohesive to defend our crest and essence, and support our teams, coaches, and players more than ever.” He reminded fans that Barca “belongs to the members” and urged steadfast backing, especially during tough times.

The speech also highlighted the role of fan associations as owners of the club’s spirit, emphasizing the need for continued solidarity as the team faces a demanding calendar and a heated Clasico.

Clasico Build-Up: Form, Standings, and the Backstory

As the teams prepare for Sunday’s showdown at the Bernabéu, Barca come into the match with nine La Liga games played: seven wins, one draw, and one loss, placing them second, two points behind Real Madrid, who had just climbed back to the top after beating Getafe 1-0.

Barça recently recorded a commanding 6-1 win over Olympiakos in the Champions League, while Real Madrid beat Juventus 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu in the same midweek window.

Madrid’s camp has grown wary of Barca’s momentum, especially after last season’s head-to-head results that left a bitter taste. Barcelona captured the Liga title, the Copa del Rey final, and the Saudi Super Cup final, creating a mounting pressure for the home side to curb Barça’s surge on their own turf.

Turning to the controversy around Lamine Yamal, Marca reported that his sharp remarks toward Real Madrid have given Madrid’s dressing room extra motivation ahead of the clash. The article notes potential strain on the national team setup if the spat bleeds into the November training camp ahead of Spain’s European qualifiers matches.

Barça’s leadership and players are said to be mindful of the impact of the comments, while Real Madrid insist they will not portray themselves as the victims and intend to win again at the Bernabéu.

What to Expect in the Clasico

Barcelona have so far played nine league games with seven wins, one draw, and one defeat; Real Madrid have eight wins and one loss, including a heavy 2-5 home defeat to their city rivals last season. Barça sit two points behind the league leaders, heightening the stakes for the weekend clash.

Last season’s Clasicos have been a topic of debate, with Barca triumphing in key head-to-heads across Liga, the Spanish Cup final, and the Saudi Super Cup, fueling Madrid’s desire to reclaim supremacy in the league and their purses of silverware.

Spanish press notes that Yamal’s remarks have sparked discussions within Madrid’s camp, and Dani Carvajal is expected to initiate dialogue with the Barcelona forward after Sunday’s game, should the moment arise. The overarching sentiment is that the fixture will be highly tactical and emotionally charged, with both sides aiming to seize early control of the title race.

Spillover risk

Analysts point to the Clasico’s potential to influence the Spain national team’s preparations for the upcoming qualifiers, given the high-profile nature of the clash and the ongoing debate around players’ conduct in big derbies.

Punchline: If football were a sniper rifle, Laporta would aim for the trophy cabinet—without blinking.

Punchline: In the Bernabéu, even the press conferences wear sunscreen—because this derby is going to be a sun-and-sandstorm of headlines.