Barcelona boss Hansi Flick refused to be drawn into the debate over referees ahead of the first El Clasico of the season on Sunday. Flicks 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 teams preparations. Responding to a question about whether the row over the officials might impact the game, the Barcelona coach said: It wont 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 dont 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. Its 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 streamsBarcelona 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 MadridBarcelona: Joan Garca; Espart, Cubars, Gerard Martn, Cancelo; Rodri, Pedri; Lamine Yamal, Fermn, Gordon; RaphinhaReal Madrid: Courtois; Valverde, Konat, Huijsen, Cucurella; Tchouamni, Gler; Brahim, Bellingham, Diomande; MbappRecent Form & Stats for Barcelona v Real MadridBarcelona 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 UEFA Champions League Paris Saint Germain PSG L 4 2 2026-10-20 Barcelona BAR La Liga Real Betis BET W 2 5 2026-10-17 Barcelona BAR UEFA Champions League Galatasaray GAL W 1 4 2026-10-13 Barcelona BAR La Liga Barcelona BAR W 3 0 2026-10-10 Getafe GET La Liga Sevilla SEV W 1 3 2026-09-19 Barcelona BAR Recent Results : Real Madrid UEFA Champions League Real Madrid REA W 4 1 2026-10-21 RB Leipzig LEI La Liga Real Madrid REA W 4 1 2026-10-18 Sevilla SEV UEFA Champions League AS Roma ROM W 3 4 2026-10-14 Real Madrid REA La Liga Real Madrid REA W 1 0 2026-10-10 Villarreal VIL La Liga Atletico Madrid ATM L 2 1 2026-09-20 Real Madrid REA La Liga table La Liga 2026 Spain Primera Divisin #TeamPlayedWonDrawnLostGFGAGDPtsLast 5 1 Barcelona99003993027 W W W W W 2 Atletico Madrid97111981122 W W W W W 3 Real Madrid97022391421 W W L W W 4 Real Betis96121614219 L W D W W 5 Real Sociedad95131717016 W W W L W 6 Sevilla94231416-214 L D L W W 7 Alaves103341411312 D L L D L 8 Celta Vigo9252107311 W D W D D 9 Deportivo La Coruna92521312111 D L D L D 10 Osasuna93241018-811 W L D L L 11 Levante92431517-210 W D D L L 12 Villarreal9234131309 D L W W L 13 Athletic Club823389-19 L D D D W 14 Rayo Vallecano82331217-59 D D W L W 15 Getafe9234511-69 D L W L D 16 Espanyol92251112-18 L D L L W 17 Racing Santander92251325-128 L D L L W 18 Elche91441117-67 D D W L D 19 Valencia9135615-96 D D L W L 20 Malaga10055719-125 D L D L L 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 Topics FC Barcelona Hansi Flick Real Madrid CF If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Jose Mourinho insists his Real Madrid team will win titles as he prepares for El Clasico return Lauren Lister 24th October, 2026 Barcelona vs Real Madrid combined XI: Which club has the stronger squad ahead of El Clasico? 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