Ansu vindicates himself, Barca close in on the title

Barça took another step towards the title. It's almost definitive. La Liga is a little closer after Saturday's victory over Elche. Beating the bottom side was a must, to sleep with a 15-point lead over Madrid... while waiting for what Los Blancos do this Sunday against Valladolid. The final stretch to the title has begun and nothing and nobody can snatch the glory of the 'reconquest' from the Blaugrana. Three years later, the change of cycle in Spanish football is about to become a reality.

Xavi, forced somewhat by a shortage of players, came up with a starting eleven with six players who were not regulars: Eric Garcia, Marcos Alonso, Jordi Alba, Sergi Roberto, Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati. A 'revolution' that gave the substitutes a chance to make a name for themselves. However, the main focus was on Ansu, after the controversial statements made by his father. The youth player, under extreme pressure, turned against his destiny with a stunning goal that sealed the victory for Barca and gave the young player a morale boost to continue fighting for his dream of success at Barça.

It was a comfortable game for Xavi's side, who were not expected to do much more than get three points and save their strength for Wednesday's decisive Copa del Rey derby. They did it with a 4-0 win (Lewandowski also found the net again, with two goals, overcoming his worst run in five years) and leaving the title a little more settled. Even Ferran Torres scored. Mission accomplished.

Laporta in his purest form

Laporta takes every opportunity his position gives him to defend Barça against the indiscriminate attacks of his enemies, who are many and very powerful. The 'Negreira case' has brought out the most belligerent side to the president, who quickly launches epic proclamations in the face of what he considers "a denigrating campaign against the reputation of our club". In a meeting with Andalucian Barca supporters, Laporta raised the tone of the discourse to the point of assuring "we are going to defend Barça to the last drop of blood."

Fired up by the masses, he did not hesitate to point out that "I am not going to allow the dignified sense of Barça-ism that all of you "culés" have to be insulted". He ended his speech with an emotional final salvo: "I ask you to maintain our unity to defend our crest, our essence, our model of ownership. Barça will always be yours". Laporta in his purest form...