According to a report by Barca Blaugranes on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Barcelona presidential adviser Enric Masip has responded sharply to José Mourinho and Real Madrid ahead of Sunday’s El Clásico, defending the Catalan club’s past achievements and questioning why Arda Güler escaped a red card against Sevilla.

Relations between the two Spanish giants have become increasingly tense before their meeting at Camp Nou. Since returning to Real Madrid in the summer, Mourinho has repeatedly raised the Negreira case and voiced concerns about refereeing decisions involving Barcelona.

Masip, an adviser to Barcelona president Joan Laporta, rejected suggestions that the club benefited from outside assistance during its successful period under former manager Pep Guardiola.

“Do you think anyone can question that Guardiola’s Barça, which was winning titles, needed any help? It’s ridiculous, laughable,” Masip said.

He also criticised Mourinho for claiming to have witnessed “strange things” during Barcelona’s dominant years, insisting that the team’s success was the result of its superior performances on the pitch.

“When things aren’t going your way, you should improve and not spend your time attacking others,” Masip added.

The Barcelona official also questioned the refereeing decision involving Güler during Real Madrid’s La Liga clash with Sevilla. The midfielder appeared to elbow Peque during the encounter, but no red card was shown.

“The images of Güler weren’t clear, but it’s an elbow, that’s it, period. An elbow is a red card,” Masip stated.

Masip further pointed to previous controversial incidents involving goals scored by Barcelona against Real Madrid, arguing that his club had accepted refereeing errors without repeatedly using them to fuel public disputes.

His remarks have added another layer of controversy to an already heated build-up to Sunday’s encounter, with both teams preparing for a match that could have important consequences for the La Liga title race.

Barcelona currently have a six-point advantage over Real Madrid and could increase the gap to nine points with a victory at Camp Nou. Madrid, however, will be determined to reduce the deficit and strengthen their position in the title contest.

Mourinho has also expressed frustration over the fixture schedule. Following Real Madrid’s midweek Champions League victory over RB Leipzig, the Portuguese coach complained that his side had 24 hours less rest than Barcelona before the Clásico.

With criticism over refereeing, past controversies and scheduling adding to the rivalry, Sunday’s meeting is shaping up to be a fiercely contested occasion, with tensions already rising before either side takes to the pitch.