This weekend, 24–26 October, the town of Lepe (Huelva) is hosting the 15th Congress of Penyes of Andalusia, Ceuta and Melilla, and the FC Barcelona president was there for its inauguration this morning. Throughout his stay in Andalusia, Joan Laporta has received warmth and support from the penyistes and Barça fans he met along the way. On the eve of the Clásico at the Santiago Bernabéu, excitement among the Barça faithful is at its peak.

“Barça is an almost invincible feeling, and that’s why I ask all of us to stay more united than ever in defending our crest, our essence, and to support our teams, our coaches, and our players, both men and women,” said Laporta in his opening speech to the Andalusian supporters.

“We’re in a better place than before, and we haven’t fallen into the trap of believing the apocalyptic predictions, which have neither come true nor will. The Board of Directors and I feel stronger, more confident, and more determined than ever to complete the club’s recovery in every area.”

The president also emphasised the vital role of the supporters’ clubs in Barça’s day-to-day life: “The ones who have always sustained the club are you—the penyistes, the members—because Barça belongs to you. You love it and you know best when to give your support and stability, especially in the most difficult moments.”

He also paid tribute to the Barça fans beyond Catalonia: “Being a Barça supporter hundreds of kilometres from the Spotify Camp Nou has an added value that we regard with genuine and heartfelt admiration.”

Laporta concluded his speech by looking ahead to tomorrow’s Clásico: “Let’s get ready for a great match tomorrow. We’re all convinced our team will give us plenty to celebrate.”

Strong representation

A large Barça delegation accompanied the president in Lepe, including Social Area vice-president Antonio Escudero, Social Area board member Josep-Ignasi Macià, Club ambassador Audie Norris, Presidency Office member Enric Masip, Players’ Association president Juan Manuel Asensi, vice-president Esteban Vigo, and former Barça player Hristo Stoichkov.

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