**Barcelona Proposes Preseason Friendly to Real Madrid, Prompting Legal Response**
FC Barcelona has officially submitted a proposal to Real Madrid, suggesting that the two clubs play a preseason friendly in late July following the Club World Cup. The match, if agreed upon, would reignite one of football’s fiercest rivalries in a less competitive setting, offering fans a thrilling encounter ahead of the new season.
However, Real Madrid’s response was far from welcoming. Upon receiving the proposal, club president Florentino Pérez immediately alerted authorities and reportedly initiated a harassment case. The unexpected legal escalation has raised eyebrows, as such proposals between rival clubs are typically handled internally.
Sources close to Real Madrid suggest that the club viewed Barcelona’s approach as inappropriate, though the exact grounds for the harassment claim remain unclear. Some speculate that past tensions between the two clubs, both on and off the pitch, may have influenced the strong reaction.
Barcelona, meanwhile, has expressed surprise at the legal action, insisting that the proposal was made in good faith. The Catalan club emphasized that preseason friendlies are common practice and that facing Real Madrid would be a major attraction for global audiences.
The incident has sparked debate among fans and analysts, with some criticizing Real Madrid’s response as excessive. Others argue that the rivalry between the two clubs has grown increasingly contentious in recent years, extending beyond sporting competition into legal and political disputes.
If the friendly does not materialize, it will mark another chapter in the strained relationship between the two Spanish giants. Previous collaborations, such as the failed European Super League project, have also ended in public disagreements, further fueling the divide.
As the situation develops, football fans worldwide await further clarification from both clubs. Whether this proposal leads to a renewed on-field clash or deeper off-field conflict remains to be seen.