They're doomed to be sworn enemies and to constantly provoke each other. However, the relationship between Joan Laporta and Florentino Pérez has changed after their meeting in Arabia.
There, the foundations of a new dimension in the relations between Real Madrid and Barça were laid. After the tension of recent months, the two presidents will join forces on important matters.
From Divorce to Honeymoon
Florentino Pérez positioned himself as the aggrieved party in the open case against FC Barcelona regarding the Negreira case. Laporta replied by resurrecting the scandal of passport forgery caused by the Slaughter case.
The Real Madrid president decided to stop attending pre-match meals before clásicos. He didn't even travel to Barcelona during Real Madrid's recent visits. He didn't want to sit in the box next to Joan Laporta.
Relations between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona had never been worse, to the point where they were even broken. They didn't exist.
However, there are more interests that unite Real Madrid and FC Barcelona against LaLiga, the Federation, and UEFA than the quarrels that might separate them. The emergence of the lucrative Super League business has ultimately turned them into partners and allies.
This explains the Joan Laporta's gratitute. He expressed it today toward Real Madrid, without naming it, as part of the clubs that chose not to exploit the Olmo case.
"We Can be Rivals on the Field, but United in Other Matters"
"I don't disclose private conversations, but I can say that I'm very grateful to the clubs that haven't taken a stand against us. We can be rivals on the field, but united in other matters," said Joan Laporta, referring to Real Madrid and Florentino Pérez.
He added: "I haven't taken well to those who have spoken against us. I'm grateful to those who haven't; they must have legal services that understand the legality."
"I don't disclose what I talked about with Florentino; we discussed the Super Cup in Arabia, that some aspects need improvement... although the organization was very good.
"Travelling, being there for a week... maybe we should be better compensated and make more profit. The atmosphere was one of harmony," concluded Laporta.