Barcelona’s tough league defeat in the Clasico is a bitter blow to Ronald Koeman and his team’s hopes of winning La Liga.
It’s the first Clasico since Joan Laporta returned to power, 11 years after the last one he faced as president.
He was in the box at Valdebebas, accompanied by Real Madrid chief Florentino Perez, other Barca and Madrid directors too, and after the game he sent a message to Blaugrana fans.
“We have eight games ahead of us to complete our objective of winning La Liga,” said Laporta. “I have no doubt the team will fight until the end. Visca Barca!”
Laporta is convinced that the players will give everything in the remaining weeks and can come from third place to win it. They still have to face Atletico Madrid at Camp Nou.