Barcelona’s Cup Remontada That Wasn’t: Laporta Blames the FA and the Election Clock

What happened in the Copa del Rey semi-final

Barcelona bowed out of the Copa del Rey after a dramatic second leg, winning 3-0 against Atletico Madrid but failing to overturn a 0-4 deficit from the first leg, leaving Atletico to reach the final 4-3 on aggregate.

The result couldn't erase the heavy first-leg loss and the aggregate scoreline sent the Blaugrana home. Then Laporta, the former Barcelona president and current candidate, lauded the players and coach Hans Flick, calling the night a wonderful display of effort up to the final whistle, a source of pride for supporters.

He criticized the Spanish Football Federation for not granting permission to fill the Camp Nou to its full capacity, noting 45,000 spectators attended and arguing that a full north stand would have given Barca a boost to score more goals.

Election, transfers, and finances

In comments cited by Sport, Laporta said that the decision to disallow Bao Kobarsi's goal in the first leg was, in his view, correct but decisive in preventing qualification, prompting questions about such rulings.

He spoke about the upcoming elections on March 15, saying permission might arrive just before the vote, and that it's hard to understand why it's been delayed. He argued the postponement prevented a fuller north stand from lifting the team toward the final.

Regarding transfers, he said deals will be made in certain positions; Deco is already working on it and will be able to act more quietly after the elections if members trust him. He highlighted that Barcelona has exceeded the salary cap by 81 million euros, while payroll now stands at 52% of revenues, easing market pressure.

Punchlines: 1) If the transfer window were a sniper, it would aim for the goal from afar and miss only if the press conference is running late. 2) Barcelona’s recruitment plan finally comes with fewer forms—more goals, fewer forms.