- Laporta aimed a dig at Real Madrid
- Lashed out at Los Blancos' transfer market operations
- Alonso hit back at Laporta's claims
AFPBarcelona chief Joan Laporta aims dig at rivals Real Madrid with model of 'power' claim and suggests Blaugrana 'more than a club' due to 'freedom' in transfer market
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AFPWHAT LAPORTA SAID
Laporta, while highlighting the contrasting approaches of the two clubs, said: "We're different clubs. Madrid have a sense of power, while we have a sense of freedom. Everyone looks out for their own interests. It's a good rivalry which both clubs feed off, from a position of respect, but we have different models.
"Our [model] is based on developing youngsters through La Masia and creating talent; Madrid are more inclined to signing players. They don't have many players in their squad who have come through the academy. We're really proud of who we are. We are more than a club."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID & BARCELONA?
While Barcelona bask in their record-breaking season, Real Madrid are plotting a return to dominance under Alonso. The 2025–26 campaign offers the perfect opportunity for Los Blancos to exact revenge and reassert their authority, especially in the Clásico encounters that often define both clubs’ seasons.
Alonso, still in the early days of his tenure, will be under pressure to close the gap and bring silverware back to the Santiago Bernabeu. The response to Laporta’s comments may not come in words, but on the pitch, where it matters most. They are fighting to end their campaign on a sweet note by lifting the Club World Cup in the United States with an encounter against Juventus next in the round of 16.
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