Barcelona boss Hansi Flick refused to be drawn into the debate over referees ahead of the first El Clasico of the season on Sunday.
Flick’s side are currently top of LaLiga having won each of their opening nine matches, although they squandered their unbeaten run in the Champions League in midweek.
The Spanish champions lead their fierce rivals Real Madrid by six points ahead of the much-anticipated clash at the Camp Nou on Sunday.
Much of the pre-match debate has been around matters relating to referees, with the case over payments made by Barcelona to companies linked to the former vice-president of the Spanish referees’ committee (CTA) still ongoing.
However, Flick refused to comment on the issue, instead opting to focus on his team’s preparations.
Responding to a question about whether the row over the officials might impact the game, the Barcelona coach said: “It won’t have an effect. I trust the refereeing, and we are seeing a good level of officiating, and each one of us has to protect his players.
“I prefer to focus on preparing my team. This topic is linked to newspaper headlines, and I don’t want any catchy headline. All I want is to focus on my team.”
Flick expresses ‘great respect’ for Mourinho
Like his opposite number in the dugout, Jose Mourinho, who Flick said he has “great respect” for, the Barca boss spoke glowingly about the significance of Sundays fixture.
“El Clasico is different,” Flick said. “It’s the best game football has to offer, and everyone will be watching. The team is really looking forward to playing it.
“I have a good feeling. The players have recovered and are ready for the game.”
Expanding on his admiration for Mourinho, Flick added: “When someone manages teams at this level for many years, it reflects his quality, and he has proven that at all the clubs he has coached.”
Where to Watch Barcelona v Real Madrid: TV and online streams
Barcelona versus Real Madrid kicks off at 8pm GMT (9pm local time) on Sunday, October 25 at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Expected line-ups for Barcelona v Real Madrid
Barcelona: Joan García; Espart, Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Cancelo; Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Fermín, Gordon; Raphinha
Real Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Tchouaméni, Güler; Brahim, Bellingham, Diomande; Mbappé
Recent Form & Stats for Barcelona v Real Madrid
- Barcelona have won all nine La Liga games this season, scoring 39 and conceding nine. It is the best start after nine games of any team in La Liga since 1997/98.
- Barcelona have won 23 consecutive La Liga home games, dating back to September 2025, and won all 19 home games last season.
- Barcelona have scored in 35 consecutive home La Liga games and in 11 consecutive games overall.
- Real Madrid have conceded in four consecutive away games.
Recent Results : Barcelona
Recent Results : Real Madrid
La Liga table
Primera División
- Position 1, 2, 3, 4 : Promotion – Champions League (League phase)
- Position 5 : Promotion – Europa League (League phase)
- Position 6 : Promotion – Conference League (Qualification)
- Position 18, 19, 20 : Relegation – LaLiga2
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: 101greatgoals.com
