Laporta on fire after Barça – Dortmund: his lunar request to his driver

The air in the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, crackled with an electric energy, a palpable sense of anticipation that hung heavy before the Champions League quarter-final clash between FC Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund. As the final whistle blew, signaling a resounding 4-0 victory for the home side, that energy erupted into an outpouring of pure, unadulterated joy for the Blaugrana faithful. It was not just a win; it was a statement, a dominant performance that sent a clear message to the rest of Europe: Barcelona was back, and they meant business.

The comprehensive nature of the victory was a testament to the tactical brilliance of manager Hansi Flick and the exceptional quality of the Barcelona players on the pitch. From the first minute to the last, Barcelona delivered a veritable footballing masterclass, dismantling a usually resilient Borussia Dortmund side with a display of attacking prowess and defensive solidity. The four unanswered goals painted a picture of utter dominance, a performance that will undoubtedly be etched in the memories of Barcelona supporters for years to come.

Amidst the jubilant celebrations that engulfed the stadium, one figure stood out for his particularly exuberant reaction: the charismatic and often theatrical president of FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta. Known for his passionate support of the club and his expressive displays of emotion, Laporta was understandably ecstatic with the team’s performance and the emphatic victory over a formidable European opponent.

According to reports emerging from the Catalan press in the aftermath of the match, Joan Laporta literally allowed his joy to explode as the final whistle signaled the end of Barcelona’s dominant display. The tension and anticipation that had likely been building within him throughout the match finally gave way to an outpouring of pure elation. As he made his way from the presidential box towards his awaiting vehicle, the Barcelona president was clearly still riding the crest of an emotional wave.

Seated in the back of his car, ready to depart from the stadium, Laporta reportedly could not contain his excitement. In a moment that has since been described as both surprising and highly indicative of the euphoric atmosphere currently permeating the club, the Barcelona president reportedly rolled down the window of his car and made an unusual request to his driver.

According to these reports, Joan Laporta, still buzzing from the adrenaline of the victory and the sheer joy of the performance he had just witnessed, asked his driver to perform several skids in the stadium car park. This rather unconventional request, a far cry from the usual dignified demeanor expected of a club president, speaks volumes about the level of euphoria that had gripped Laporta following Barcelona’s emphatic win.

The image of the Barcelona president, his face beaming with delight, asking his driver to engage in such playful antics in the stadium car park paints a vivid picture of the sheer joy and relief that swept through the club after such a commanding performance. It was a celebration as surprising as it was indicative of the incredibly positive atmosphere that has been cultivated within FC Barcelona under the leadership of Joan Laporta and Hansi Flick.

The goals that sealed Barcelona’s emphatic victory were a testament to the team’s attacking quality. Raphinha opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a well-taken strike, setting the tone for the evening. The prolific Polish striker Robert Lewandowski then added two goals to his tally, showcasing his predatory instincts in front of goal. The icing on the cake came in the 77th minute when the immensely talented young winger Lamine Yamal capped off a memorable performance with a fourth goal, sending the Barcelona supporters into raptures.

The Barcelona attack, spearheaded by the experience of Lewandowski and the youthful exuberance of Raphinha and Yamal, proved to be utterly relentless, suffocating a Borussia Dortmund side that looked uncharacteristically disjointed and unable to cope with the intensity and quality of the Catalan giants. The victory was not just about the goals; it was about the overall dominance, the control of possession, and the clinical finishing that characterized Barcelona’s performance.

Despite the overwhelming nature of the victory and the understandable euphoria surrounding the club, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick remained grounded and cautious in his post-match comments. While acknowledging the excellent result in the first leg, Flick was quick to emphasize that the tie is far from over, with the return leg in Dortmund still to come. He spoke of his deep knowledge of Borussia Dortmund and the formidable atmosphere that their passionate supporters can create at home.

Flick also turned his attention to the immediate future, highlighting the importance of maintaining focus and professionalism as they prepare for their upcoming league match against Leganés. He expressed his appreciation for the dedication and commitment of his players, emphasizing their willingness to give everything to perform at their best in every match.

Barcelona’s impressive performance against Borussia Dortmund is the latest in a string of strong displays that have seen the Catalan club steadily building momentum and inching closer to what many are now starting to believe could be a historic treble – winning the La Liga title, the Copa del Rey, and the UEFA Champions League in the same season. The desire, intensity, and unwavering confidence that are currently evident within the Barcelona squad are palpable, and the victory over Dortmund has only served to further fuel these aspirations.

For Joan Laporta, the emphatic win over Borussia Dortmund was undoubtedly a moment of immense satisfaction and pride. His “lunar request” to his driver, while perhaps a lighthearted anecdote, perfectly encapsulates the sheer joy and optimism that currently surrounds FC Barcelona. Laporta, a man who has always worn his heart on his sleeve when it comes to his beloved club, is clearly dreaming of a triumphant spring, one that could see Barcelona reclaim their place at the pinnacle of European football. The road ahead is still challenging, but the performance against Dortmund has provided a resounding statement of intent, and the celebrations, both on and off the pitch, reflected the growing belief that something special is brewing at FC Barcelona.