Tension between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid reignited on Friday after Joan Laporta publicly responded to Florentino Pérez’s remarks during the Real Madrid members’ assembly. Speaking from Andorra, where he attended the presentation of the book Principat Blaugrana, the Barça president accused the Madrid club of suffering from “Barcelonitis” and of using Barcelona as a recurring excuse to justify both sporting and non-sporting issues.

Laporta Responds to Florentino Over the “Negreira Case”

Florentino Pérez’s comments, suggesting that some of Barcelona’s recent successes were linked to payments associated with the “Negreira Case,” received an immediate rebuttal. Laporta stated that Real Madrid are “fully present” in the legal proceedings and insisted that the accusations are baseless.

“They keep stretching it because they know there’s nothing there. Barça has never bought referees,” he said. He also pointed to controversial incidents from Real Madrid’s latest match against Elche, where, according to him, two goals should not have counted. Laporta mentioned a possible handball by Jude Bellingham and an alleged foul by Vinicius Junior on goalkeeper Iñaki Peña.

The Barça president defended the club’s recent era, recalling the dominance between 2004 and 2015. “It was the most admired and recognized team for what it did on the pitch,” he said, referring to the success built around several generations of La Masía graduates.

The Conflict Also Reaches Javier Tebas

Laporta also addressed the relationship between Florentino Pérez and Javier Tebas, the president of LaLiga. He acknowledged past disagreements with Tebas but praised his ability to engage in dialogue and his commitment to growing the competition. In his view, Real Madrid’s constant clashes with Tebas raise questions about their intention to remove him from his position.

“Madrid is obsessed with getting rid of him. And that’s not good news,” Laporta said, questioning what kind of leadership the club would seek within LaLiga.

Finally, Laporta commented on Barça’s performance following their 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the Champions League. He said he appreciated the team’s response under Hansi Flick and believes the setback could become a turning point. He also backed Ronald Araujo after his red card: “He is our captain, he must overcome this moment. We win and lose together.”