Just in: Real Madrid step up campaign against Barcelona over Negreira case | OneFootball

Barcelona once again find themselves at the centre of Real Madrid’s political agenda, with newly re-elected president Florentino Perez preparing to intensify the club’s push against the Catalan club over the Negreira case.

According to AS, Perez’s election victory has been followed by plans to send a detailed dossier to UEFA, with Real Madrid seeking sporting action against Barcelona.

The claim goes beyond European punishment, with Los Blancos reportedly pushing for Barcelona’s titles from the period in question to be removed.

This is an extraordinary allegation and feels like another attempt by Real Madrid to throw mud at Barcelona and see what sticks.

Barcelona must stay firm

Perez has stepped up on his agenda. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Barcelona have consistently maintained their stance, denying sporting corruption, and are innocent until proven otherwise.

The concern for fans is not the accusation itself, on which the club’s stance is crystal clear, but the fact that Madrid are using this issue for political gain.

Perez has already spoken strongly on the matter in an explosive interview before the elections, saying Real Madrid would send UEFA a major dossier and describing the case as one of football’s biggest scandals.

This is about more than the rivalry

For Barcelona, the response must be calm but strong. The period in question was a time when the Catalans were the best club in the world and arguably the best ever to play the sport.

Perez does not intend to stop. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Real Madrid may believe they are defending competitive integrity, but the truth is that very few stood a chance against the superteam that Pep Guardiola and co had built at Barcelona.

The trophies Barcelona won on the pitch belong to the players, coaches and fans who lived them. Any attempt to erase them from history is not going to go down well.

For now, Barcelona must continue to do their talking on the pitch while defending the institution, trusting the legal process and refusing to let Real Madrid control the narrative.