Barcelona was eliminated from the Copa del Rey after losing 4-3 on aggregate to Atlético Madrid in the semi-finals. Joan Laporta, present at the Spotify Camp Nou for the second leg, expressed pride in the team’s performance despite the disappointing result.
“The players gave an exhibition and left everything on the pitch. We are proud of the team and the coach, as well as Deco. The fans showed their support strongly,” said Laporta, also mentioning a disallowed goal in the first leg that could have changed the outcome.
He criticized restrictions imposed by the Barcelona City Council, which prevented the club from opening the North Stand and adding an extra 17,000 fans. Laporta believes this hindered the atmosphere and could have influenced the number of goals scored.
Laporta also revealed plans to return to the 1:1 transfer rule, and he expects only small adjustments to the squad during the summer. He emphasized the strength of the current team and noted ongoing work by Deco and coach Hansi Flick.
Despite the exit, Laporta focuses on the positives and the solid foundation of the club. The issue of limited fan access at Spotify Camp Nou remains a key point for the club moving forward.
