Laporta assesses Clásico and draws a lesson

Laporta acknowledged the 1-2 Clásico defeat to Real Madrid but insisted Barcelona's season objectives remain intact after nine consecutive wins.

Joan Laporta analysed Barcelona's 1-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the tenth round of La Liga from London, where he had attended the Ballon d'Or gala. The Barcelona president admitted the setback but stressed it should serve to identify errors, correct them, and face upcoming matches against Alavés, Aston Villa and Atlético Madrid with determination.

"Accept it with sportsmanship and let it motivate us to move forward; our expectations for this season remain intact," Laporta said, confident the team will react after the loss to their eternal rival and ahead of the Champions League clash with PSG. He recalled Barcelona's strong start with nine consecutive wins that kept them top of La Liga, two points ahead of Atlético and three clear of Real Madrid, and argued that one defeat should not alter their objectives.

Laporta backed manager Hansi Flick, saying the German coach is clear on what happened during the match and what the team needs to improve. He noted Flick had already analysed the defeat in his post-match press conference and discussed it with a small working group on Monday. "We will learn from our mistakes and improve where we need to. Hansi is very clear on what happened," Laporta concluded, sending a message of calm to the supporters.