In a move that has shaken the foundations of FC Barcelona, ​​president Joan Laporta has made a drastic decision after the painful 2-1 defeat against Real Madrid in the Clásico on matchday 10 of LaLiga EA Sports. “They have disgraced the club and I cannot accept behavior like that on the field!” Laporta exclaimed in an improvised press conference at the offices of the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, leaving the football world in a state of shock. Five players have been officially excluded from the starting eleven for the next matches, a measure that seeks to restore discipline and the culé spirit in a team that is navigating turbulent waters.

Sunday’s Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu, played under an atmosphere full of tension, became a nightmare for the Blaugranas. Real Madrid, led by Xabi Alonso in their triumphant debut in this eternal duel, won with authority thanks to a great goal from Kylian Mbappé in the 22nd minute, assisted by Jude Bellingham, and a goal from Vinícius Júnior in the second half that sealed the 2-1. Barcelona, ​​who played without Hansi Flick on the bench due to suspension – replaced by his assistant Marcus Sorg – closed the gap with a goal from Robert Lewandowski in the 68th minute, but Pedri’s expulsion for a double yellow in added time sparked a final brawl that involved several players from both teams. It was precisely in that chaos where Laporta saw the trigger for his anger.

The names of those excluded have generated widespread surprise: Pedri González, Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araújo, Jules Koundé and the young Lamine Yamal. Sources close to the club reveal that the decision is not based only on sporting performance, but also on attitudes considered “disrespectful” during and after the game. Pedri, the de facto captain of the midfield, paid the price for his expulsion, seen as an avoidable mistake that destabilized the team. De Jong, criticized for his lack of leadership in recovering the ball, has been singled out for internal discussions in the locker room. Araújo, scorer of the decisive goal in the previous victory against Girona, was excluded for a reckless tackle that almost caused a Madrid penalty. Koundé, a regular at the back, faces punishment for not adequately covering the wings, allowing Mbappé to overwhelm. And Yamal, the 18-year-old gem of the youth squad, is surprising for his inclusion: Sorg defended his bad game attributing it to pressure, but Laporta sees it as a lesson to mature, especially after being “hunted” by the white defenders on the wings.

“This club has been built on values ​​of respect, humility and total dedication. What I saw on Sunday does not represent Barça. I will not tolerate the shield being stained with individualism or lack of professionalism,” declared Laporta, visibly moved, remembering his own history as a member and former player. The president, who has already dealt with financial crises and delays in the remodeling of the Camp Nou – where the team provisionally plays in Montjuïc – sees this purge as an opportunity to reset the group. “The players must understand that wearing this shirt is a privilege, not a right. There will be changes, and if they do not adapt, the way out is open,” he added, without ruling out sales in the winter market.

The fans, divided between unconditional support and frustration, have flooded social networks with reactions. “Laporta is right, we have to clean the locker room,” tweeted a culé user, while others question whether this measure will not weaken the team even more, already without Ter Stegen, Gavi and Lewandowski due to injuries for the next game against Villarreal. Sorg, in a post-Classic press conference, took down Yamal’s bad game: “He’s 18 years old, we have to help him. He’s a great professional.” However, the echo of Laporta’s words resonates: Barça, with eight defeats in 56 official matches this season, needs more than words to heal the wounds.

This exclusion comes at a delicate moment for Flick’s project, who took over the bench with promises of offensive and vertical football. The defeat at the Bernabéu extends Real Madrid’s advantage in the table – undefeated and absolute leader – and puts the Blaugrana’s morale in check. Laporta, true to his combative style, has called an emergency meeting with the board for Tuesday, where not only the lineup against Villarreal will be discussed, but also the future of these five players. Will this be the spark that ignites the culé comeback, or the beginning of the end of an era? Football, as always, will give us answers on the field.

Meanwhile, the echo of the Classic persists: 28 goals in the last five meetings between both giants speak of a lively duel, but Barça must learn to win with honor. Laporta has made it clear: the shield is not negotiated.