Laporta: Barça-Real Madrid Relationship 'Zero'

FC Barcelona President Joan Laporta confirmed the Catalan club's relationship with its eternal rival, Real Madrid, has reached "zero." This statement came during his attendance at the 33rd General Assembly of the European Club Association (ECA) in Copenhagen, where he spoke to "Mundo Deportivo" about various club issues, particularly the strained relationship with the Royal Club. Laporta utilized Real Madrid's absence from the assembly to address the ongoing dispute, which escalated following Barcelona's lawsuit against Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez. This lawsuit responded to Pérez's accusations that Barcelona had "stolen seven league titles." Both parties are scheduled to hold a reconciliation meeting in Madrid on November 25th. Commenting on the situation, Laporta stated: "We cannot accept incorrect accusations; every time they speak publicly, they attack Barcelona. Our legal department seriously addresses these situations, as we do with all who condemned us before trial and said things untrue. We hope the matter will be corrected and settled." Laporta further clarified the reasons for the breakdown: "With Real Madrid, relations have been completely severed. They intervened in the Negreira case, and we believe that was only to prolong the case and justify their television channel's established rhetoric. This is where the dispute lies, and the current relationship is zero." On another note, Laporta discussed European clubs' concerns about international breaks' impact on players. He explained: "Despite competing passionately, we share a common goal: developing competitions, improving our clubs' financial situation, providing opportunities for young talents, and protecting our players. There's current concern about these breaks, resembling a pre-season period. In national team matches, it raises concern due to players' susceptibility to injuries, which is already occurring." Laporta reported a "seemingly minor injury to Eric García" at Barcelona and noted Raphinha's early exit from Brazil's match due to discomfort, with his injury severity pending assessment. Asked about Raphinha's readiness for the upcoming Real Madrid match, he replied: "The same happened with Real Madrid and Mbappé. I don't know the exact severity of his injury, and we hope it is not serious." In a different context, Laporta spoke positively about his meeting with Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, CEO of Atlético Madrid, describing it as "friendly and excellent." He said: "We discussed continuing the good relationship between the two clubs, and our personal relationship. I appreciate him greatly, and he knows that; I also feel his affection. We hugged immediately, and I believe we've overcome differences and restored the relationship to what it should be. I am very happy, as he is someone I value highly."