Barcelona president laughs off Real Madrid transfer success

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has scoffed at claims that Real Madrid are the new title favourites after their summer spending spree.
 
Barca had expressed interest in Julio Baptista before the Brazilian signed for Real over the weekend, but Laporta insisted: "Madrid has signed Baptista, but we have a very powerful squad that does not need anybody."

"We are the team to beat. We have generated a great sense of expectancy and we have reinforced like any champion team. We have done it in the positions that we needed, but maintained our successful centre."

A defiant Laporta added: "We are not scared. We're very excited with the team we have, which are the champions and will be the team to beat."

"We have a great goalkeeper, a good defence, a good midfield and a good attack and I am convinced that we will continue winning!"