Barça's Battle Cry: Laporta Bets on La Liga Comeback Despite Derby Defeat

La Liga on the Line: Laporta's Bold Stance

Joan Laporta, the former Barcelona president, voiced full confidence in Barça's ability to win the Spanish league this season.

The comments came after a refereeing controversy during a 1-2 derby defeat to Girona that cost Barça the league lead.

In remarks cited by Mundo Deportivo, Laporta said: "We have a great group in the Barça locker room. I know the mood there, I know Xavi's work and the players' character, and I am sure we will win La Liga. It will be a title against everything and against all odds, because they don't only want to beat us on the sporting level, but clearly they also aim to beat us off the pitch."

He added: "We have endured a heavy schedule with Sunday and Wednesday games; naturally there will be a dip. The intervention on Kondé was clear. We will reverse the situation and return to our usual style."

On contesting under the banner "Defend Barça," Laporta stated: "This is the proposal I lead to build and sustain Barça's standing as the world's best sports institution. I urge all members, men and women, to keep defending Barça in the coming years with pride, feeling, emotion, and joy, through love for Barça and defending it."

"Defending Barça is loving Barça. We are now in a better position than five years ago in all metrics. During this campaign we will detail our sustainable project and analyze what needs improvement. I am very proud of the work done; what happened wasn't a miracle but the result of daily effort and the courageous decisions of qualified people."

LAPORTA concluded by underscoring stability: "This growth stems from the institutional stability we've achieved thanks to the members. To continue growing, we need experience and leadership and this stability. Because defending Barça means growth, we will maintain the continuity of the measures started in these past five years."

Punchline 1: If Barça win the title, even the trophy will demand a standing ovation and a quick coffee break for the staff.

Punchline 2: And if anyone still doubts, Laporta will sign the victory with a flourish—because in Barcelona, even calendars have fans.