Laporta Opens Fire on Real Madrid: ‘They’re Losing Prestige and Credibility’ and Gives Raphinha and Lamine Yamal Updates

It was supposed to be a simple ceremony honouring his name in a quiet coastal town, but the words that came out turned the celebration into a new bombshell in the war raging between Spanish football’s two giants.

A direct attack, accusations of arrogance and talk of lost prestige and credibility, just two weeks before El Clásico, and at a time when the rivals are facing a fresh crisis after one of their stars was sent off.

The man speaking was Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who launched a fierce attack on Real Madrid on Saturday in the town of Sitges, where, alongside mayor Aurora Carbonell, he unveiled a tile bearing his name at number 14 of the Passatge Johan Cruyff.

“In Madrid they talk about other topics to divert attention. Barça are in a sweet moment, we are enjoying football, a very beautiful moment in our history, and international recognition. We have nine players in the squad who are world champions, we have a team that makes people fall in love with it, and from Madrid they try to play all this down,” Laporta said, according to Sport.

On the Negreira case, he said: “I will not stop saying it: they tried to condemn us before judging us, when it is being shown that there was nothing in what they accused us of. I have full confidence in Barça’s acquittal. Those who are constantly talking about it, trying to damage and stain Barça’s image, will have to retract. They stretch the case file as much as they can to keep the flame alive, but it is going nowhere.”

The Barcelona president continued: “They do it to harm football, because they are against everything. You go to UEFA, you go to the Euroleague, and they are against everything and everyone. It says a lot about a club that is losing prestige, recognition and credibility nationally and internationally. I was at the EFC congress and they did not even have representation.”

He added: “They have a very arrogant, very haughty attitude. They know what they are doing, but it is leading them to an enormous lack of credibility. They should engage in some self-criticism because I find it improper.”

Laporta also addressed the injury to captain Raphinha, who is missing the games against Getafe and Galatasaray: “He felt some discomfort, came back and is recovering here. The doctors have told me he will be ready for the Paris game.”

He also spoke about the Ballon d’Or, for which Lamine Yamal is in contention: “It is only fair that he wins it. He had a great season, he won the league and the World Cup, and he deserves it. I would be very happy if he wins the Ballon d’Or. We will see how it goes because there is absolute secrecy. We are waiting for the 26th after a hot October.”

Laporta’s comments came hours before both teams returned to action. Barcelona beat Getafe 3-0 to extend their lead to six points, while Real Madrid beat Villarreal 1-0 in a game that saw Vinícius Júnior sent off. Real Madrid have not yet issued any official response to Laporta’s words.