Keeping enemies closer: How Barcelona’s close relationship with Real Madrid have helped the club | OneFootball

There’s an old adage: “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer.” Nowhere is this more evident than in the surprising dynamic between Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and Barcelona president Joan Laporta.

While the two clubs have long been locked in one of football’s fiercest rivalries, behind the scenes, the relationship between their presidents Perez and Laporta has been a key theme in recent years.

A recent report from MARCA has offered a detailed overview of this relationship and what it has meant for both clubs.

The report particularly points out how Barcelona have gained significant favours thanks to this relationship, which in turn, has helped the club combat all the restrictions from footballing federations across Spain.

Barcelona gaining from the Real Madrid relationship

One of the most striking examples of this unexpected alliance was Real Madrid’s support in helping Barcelona secure a €517 million television rights deal in 2022.

Both clubs refused to sign with the CVC fund backed by La Liga, allowing Barcelona to obtain a much-needed financial boost.

This windfall enabled the Catalan club to make crucial signings, including Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Jules Kounde, and Ilkay Gundogan—key players who helped Barcelona reclaim the La Liga title and the Super Cup.

Florentino Perez has been a great ‘friend’ of Barcelona (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

It must be noted that Barcelona’s La Liga triumph did come at the expense of none other than Real Madrid.

Perez’s influence, though, extends beyond financial dealings. He has not taken legal action against Barcelona despite the club’s questionable financial transactions, such as the controversial sale of 49% of “Barça Studios” for €200 million.

This deal, widely regarded as dubious, nonetheless provided Barcelona with the financial flexibility needed to strengthen its squad and remain competitive.

Perez has also remained silent on Barcelona’s alleged Financial Fair Play breaches.

While other clubs have been penalized for failing to meet financial regulations, Barcelona were granted an “amnesty” by the Spanish government, allowing them to register new players despite their precarious economic situation.

While other clubs raised objections over this verdict, Real Madrid remained quiet and did not issue an official statement.

Even more perplexing is the contrast between Perez’s leniency toward Barcelona and his relentless battles with La Liga president Javier Tebas over relatively minor disputes.

Barcelona, in return, have also remained quiet amid Real Madrid’s ongoing war with the referees’ association in Spain.

Laporta’s political expertise has helped Barcelona build a strong relationship with Real Madrid (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Still united through ESL

The relationship between Barcelona and Real Madrid can be traced to their shared goal for the European Super League.

This is also indicative of Laporta’s political prowess and ability to forge alliances, even with a direct foe like Real Madrid.

The irony of this relationship is that Real Madrid’s greatest rival is now stronger due, in part, to Perez’s indirect assistance.

If Barcelona clinch La Liga again this season, Perez’s influence and support will surely go down as one of the reasons.

Nevertheless, the relationship between Barcelona and Real Madrid is likely to continue until the two clubs reach a common ground with the Spanish authorities regarding reforms within the league’s financial framework.