All signs point to Florentino Pérez skipping another El Clásico at the opponent’s ground. According to Sport, the Real Madrid president will not attend the LaLiga Matchday 35 clash against FC Barcelona, scheduled for this Sunday at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.

Continued Institutional Distance

This isn’t a one-off absence. Florentino has avoided most of Real Madrid’s away trips this season and already skipped the previous Clásico in Barcelona. His absence is yet another reflection of the tense relationship between Real Madrid and Barcelona, especially in the wake of the Negreira Case and the breakdown in direct relations between both club hierarchies.

No Traditional Pre-Match Lunch

The pre-match lunch between club officials, a customary gesture of sportsmanship, has been cancelled. It was initially set to take place during the Barcelona International Motor Show, but Florentino’s absence led to a change of plans. Instead, a standing cocktail reception will be held at the stadium’s VIP terrace.

Additionally, Pérez is not expected to share the presidential box with Joan Laporta, eliminating any chance of a symbolic show of unity.

Who Will Represent Real Madrid?

The Real Madrid delegation will travel to Barcelona on Saturday afternoon, but Florentino Pérez won’t be among them. Instead, the club will be represented in the VIP box by Eduardo Fernández de Blas, the club’s First Vice President.