"Completely Broken": Joan Laporta declares institutional war on Real Madrid ahead of Super Cup Final

The tension surrounding the latest Clásico began to reach a boiling point long before the players even stepped onto the pitch at the King Abdullah Stadium. In the high-stakes context of the Spanish Super Cup final in Jeddah, FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta dropped a bombshell that has sent shockwaves through the footballing world. During a pre-match appearance, Laporta didn't mince words regarding the current state of affairs between the two Spanish giants: "The relationship between Barcelona and Real Madrid is bad and is completely broken."

These words from the Blaugrana chief serve as a definitive confirmation of what many insiders had long suspected. The institutional bond between Spain's two most storied clubs, which for decades had maintained a level of "cordial rivalry," has deteriorated to its lowest point in modern history. Laporta’s decision to go public with this "rupture" underscores that the conflict has moved far beyond the chalk lines of the pitch and into the heart of the boardrooms.

Laporta clarified that this frostiness did not occur overnight. Instead, it has been a gradual process driven by various undisclosed factors. While he avoided naming specific incidents, the shadow of the "Caso Negreira" and differing views on the European Super League—which they once championed together—loom large in the background.

Despite the institutional divorce, Laporta was quick to emphasize that respect must remain the foundation of the rivalry. He stressed that while the boards may no longer be on speaking terms, the clubs must avoid letting the animosity devolve into personal or unsportsmanlike confrontation. For Laporta, the challenge is to keep the "war" in the offices from infecting the "sport" on the grass.

The timing of these statements is particularly sensitive. This isn't just a mid-season trophy; it is a Clásico final played on an international stage with the eyes of millions fixed on Saudi Arabia. For both projects—Hansi Flick’s ascending Barcelona and Xabi Alonso’s resilient Real Madrid—winning the Super Cup is a vital "statement of intent" for the 2026 calendar year.

From a footballing perspective, Laporta chose to remain cautious. He avoided the trap of labeling Barcelona as the "favorites," despite their dominant 5-0 win in the semifinals. Instead, he highlighted the unpredictability of a final where "any small detail can be decisive." He expressed absolute confidence in Flick’s coaching staff, noting that the team is entering this final following weeks of significant competitive growth and tactical maturity.

The rupture between Barcelona and Real Madrid is no longer an isolated sporting issue. Over the last few years, the two clubs have become the faces of a larger debate regarding the structural future of football. Disagreements over management models, TV rights distribution, and institutional influence in the Spanish Federation have fueled a fire that shows no signs of being extinguished.

The rivalry has shifted from 90 minutes of football to 365 days of legal filings, press releases, and strategic maneuvering. What used to be solved with a "Presidential Lunch" before the game has now been replaced by a cold silence and separate travel arrangements.

Despite the "energetic" tone of his message, Laporta did leave a small window of hope for the future. He suggested that with enough "willpower," it might be possible to recover the relationship one day. However, his primary message was clear: as of today, the bridge is burned. The understanding between the two most powerful entities in Spanish football is at a critical minimum.

As the world prepares for the kickoff, one thing is certain: this Clásico will dictate a sentence on the field, but the echoes of the conflict will remain in the offices long after the trophy is lifted. Once again, Barcelona vs. Real Madrid proves to be "Més que un club" and more than just a game—it is a geopolitical battle for the soul of Spanish football.