Real Madrid grill Barcelona chief Laporta in ‘Negreira Case’ trial | OneFootball

Real Madrid have taken a decisive step in the ongoing Negreira case, reinforcing their determination to see the investigation through to its final consequences. 

In a significant development reported by AS, Los Blancos have formally decided to bring a private prosecutor in the trial examining the purpose and intent behind the payments made by Barcelona to former CTA vice-president Enrique Negreira over a period spanning 17 years.

This move is fully aligned with the position club president Florentino Perez has publicly defended in Real Madrid’s last two general assemblies. 

On both occasions, Perez made it clear that Madrid would not look the other way and would demand full accountability if it were proven that those payments were designed to influence refereeing decisions. 

What does this mean?

By appearing as a private prosecutor, Real Madrid are not merely observers in the process. 

This status allows the club to actively participate in the proceedings, question witnesses and challenge explanations offered by the defence. 

One of the central issues raised by Real Madrid’s lawyers focused on the dramatic increase in payments to Negreira-linked entities, which reportedly rose by as much as 800% over time. 

Real Madrid are going all out against Barcelona. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The questioning then shifted to the involvement of Negreira’s son, who was allegedly responsible for producing technical reports that, crucially, have never been presented as evidence. 

Even more striking is the claim that these reports were never seen by Barcelona’s coaching staff, despite being cited as the justification for the payments.

There is more to the story

Real Madrid’s representatives pressed Joan Laporta on why these payments were concealed from the tax authorities and asked for clarity on their true origin. 

These inconsistencies sit at the heart of the case and are exactly where Real Madrid intend to apply pressure.

In recent weeks, the institutional relationship between Real Madrid and Barcelona has been steadily deteriorating. 

From Real Madrid’s perspective, this is not about rivalry on the pitch but about defending the integrity of the competition. 

Now, as the trial progresses, Real Madrid’s active role ensures that uncomfortable questions will continue to be asked and it is unlikely to soften.