Real Madrid is set to pursue compensation from UEFA after a Spanish court sided with the club in a long-running dispute over the proposed European Super League. The court dismissed appeals from UEFA, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), and La Liga, confirming that UEFA had violated EU competition law by blocking the Super League's formation.

The legal battle stems from the initial Super League proposal in April 2021, which saw 12 top European clubs, including Real Madrid, announce their intention to form a breakaway competition. The move was met with widespread condemnation from fans, governing bodies, and politicians, leading to the swift collapse of the project. However, Real Madrid, along with Barcelona, has continued to champion the Super League concept, arguing that it is necessary to modernize European football and ensure financial stability for clubs.

In 2023, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that UEFA and FIFA acted against EU law by preventing the formation of the Super League. The CJEU found that the governing bodies had abused their dominant position and that their rules on prior approval, control, and sanctions were arbitrary and unjustified. This ruling paved the way for clubs to explore alternative competition formats without fear of reprisal.

Real Madrid has welcomed the Spanish court's decision, stating that it "confirms that UEFA, in the Superliga matter, seriously infringed the European Union's free competition rules... by abusing its dominant position". The club has announced that it will seek "substantial damages" from UEFA to compensate for the losses incurred as a result of the governing body's actions. While the exact amount of damages Real Madrid will seek remains undisclosed, some reports suggest the club could be in line for a payout of €1 billion if the Super League plans go ahead.

UEFA, on the other hand, maintains that the court ruling does not endorse the Super League project. The organization argues that the decision focuses on procedural aspects and that its new rules comply with all relevant European laws and regulations. La Liga has also downplayed the significance of the ruling, stating that it "does not approve or endorse any specific competition format". The league emphasizes that the ruling pertains to authorization systems and does not address the substance or viability of alternative tournaments.

Despite the ongoing legal battles and differing opinions, Real Madrid remains committed to the Super League project. The club believes that the current Champions League format is outdated and that a new competition is needed to address the financial and competitive inequalities in European football. Real Madrid's CEO, José Ángel Sánchez, has even compared UEFA to "the musicians on the Titanic," suggesting that the governing body is failing to adapt to the changing landscape of the sport.

It remains to be seen whether the Super League will ever come to fruition. However, the recent court ruling and Real Madrid's determination to seek compensation from UEFA mark a significant victory for the club and could pave the way for further changes in the structure of European football.