Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho has played down the threat posed by Barcelona ahead of the first El Clasico of the 2026-27 season.
Barcelona host their arch-rivals at Camp Nou on Sunday, October 25, in one of world football’s biggest fixtures.
The defending La Liga champions have lost just once in 12 matches across all competitions this season and hold a six-point lead over Real Madrid in the league standings ahead of the clash.
Despite Barcelona’s strong form, Mourinho appeared unfazed by the challenge during his pre-match press conference, dismissing suggestions that the hosts’ form should put Real Madrid on the back foot.
“It’s just like going to any other stadium. Obviously, we are talking about a team with a lot of quality.”
“It’s not the same to play against a high-quality team as it is to play against a less strong one, but it’s no big deal. People who, a week ago, thought Barça could thrash us probably still think the same”.
“I don’t think the Paris match or the Leipzig match at the Bernabéu will change their idea or way of thinking. Speaking well of Barcelona doesn’t affect me and has nothing to do with me” Mourinho said.
Real Madrid will play the game without star winger Vinicius Junior, who is serving a suspension after receiving a red card.
