Relationship changes! TA: Real Madrid and Barcelona cancel traditional dinner parties before El Clasico

TA reported that the pre-match dinner party held by the presidents of Real Madrid and Barcelona before the El Clasico in previous years will be canceled this year due to changes in the relationship between the two teams.

On the issue of La Liga’s overseas matches, the two sides have clear positions. Barcelona Chairman Laporta firmly supports it, saying that it can bring "returns" and "money" to the club just like the Saudi Super Cup, and publicly stated that "we will go to Miami on December 20."

Real Madrid president Florentino strongly opposed, believing that the move "tarnished the game" and brought unfair competitive advantages. Captain Carvajal and goalkeeper Courtois also publicly criticized Tebas. According to multiple sources, Real Madrid's complaint to the Spanish government over the matter, and the resulting risk that Tebas might be suspended, were the "most important factors" that led to the eventual cancellation of the plan. There was "quiet satisfaction" within Real Madrid after the plan fell through, leaving Laporta in an awkward position.

This article pointed out that although Real Madrid and Barcelona were once close in recent years due to their common opposition to certain policies of La Liga and the joint promotion of the European Super League. The two parties even shared the American investment company Sixth Street as a business partner, which simultaneously funded the Bernabeu renovation and Barcelona's "leverage" plan, but this alliance is becoming loose.

Laporta has become increasingly close to Tebas as Barcelona seeks more flexibility in La Liga's financial rules, while Florentino continues to go toe-to-toe with Tebas. At the same time, Laporta's commitment to the European Super League seems to be weakening, and he has begun to make overtures to UEFA and the European Club Association ECA.

Sources said that Laporta's public remarks "surprised" the promoters of the European Super League. In addition, Laporta also boasted that Barcelona successfully reduced UEFA's Financial Fair Play fine from 60 million euros to 15 million euros.

A source familiar with the top management of the two clubs commented: "As Barcelona's financial situation becomes more stable, they can express their views more and no longer have to follow Real Madrid's line."

La Liga overseas games have completely different reactions and lingering tensions. The traditional pre-match directors' lunch of the two teams has been cancelled. Real Madrid said that the two presidents will meet at the stadium before the game.