Presidential Debate Heats Up, Flick Eyes Rotation & Election Weekend Clash with Sevilla - March 13, 2026

Presidential Race Reaches Boiling Point

With just days remaining until Barcelona's presidential elections this Sunday, the campaign has intensified dramatically. Joan Laporta and Víctor Font met for their final televised debate on 3Cat, the first such encounter in a quarter century since 2000. The atmosphere was tense as both candidates exchanged sharp accusations.

Laporta went on the offensive, calling Font "chapucero y trilero" (sloppy and a trickster) and accusing him of lying about the club potentially becoming a SAD (public limited company). "You've been saying for five years we would become a SAD, and we've dedicated ourselves to saving the club," Laporta fired back. Font countered by criticizing Laporta's advisor Alejandro Echevarría of having "Francoist ideology."

Analyst David Sánchez from Despierta San Francisco believes it will be very difficult for Font to wrest the presidency from Laporta, who remains the favorite. Meanwhile, precandidacy Marc Ciria's appeal to validate 379 signatures was rejected by the Catalan Football Federation's Appeals Committee, ending his bid to become an official candidate.

Flick Contemplates Rotation Ahead of Sevilla Clash

Hansi Flick is considering significant changes to his starting eleven for Sunday's match against Sevilla at Camp Nou. With the crucial Champions League Round of 16 return leg against Newcastle looming, the German coach may rest several key players. Reports suggest Raphinha could be among those given a breather.

The timing is delicate - Barcelona currently hold a narrow advantage after their first leg at St James' Park, where Harvey Barnes scored for Newcastle. The English side believes they can "outplay Barcelona again" at Camp Nou, with Barnes sensing growing self-belief within Eddie Howe's squad.

João Cancelo has taken over on Barcelona's left flank as Flick manages an injury crisis, while captain Ronald Araujo has been working to keep squad morale high, organizing a team dinner amid the hectic schedule.

Transfer Rumors Swirl

Barcelona continue to be linked with major moves in the summer transfer window. The club has reportedly added a Chelsea winger to their shortlist, though Marcus Rashford from Manchester United remains well-positioned for a permanent deal.

Atlético Madrid have made it clear they will refuse to sell Julián Álvarez to Barcelona, with the Catalans reportedly setting a €100 million limit for transfers. Meanwhile, Laporta has denied recent reports about talks over Erling Haaland, calling it "the lie that was constructed," though the club is actively seeking a replacement for Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires this summer.

Youth Success and Women's Setback

Barcelona's juvenile team secured their place in the Copa del Rey final with a dramatic extra-time victory over Deportivo in Lugo. Fofana was the hero with a decisive brace, sending the reigning champions through to face Real Betis in the final. Marca hailed this generation as surpassing even Messi's 1987 cohort.

The women's team, however, drew 0-0 away at Badalona in their semifinal first leg, frustrated by outstanding goalkeeping from Valenzuela. The tie will be decided in the return leg at the Johan Cruyff Stadium.