Ander Barrenetxea, Real Sociedad player
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Real Sociedad winger Ander Barrenetxea has given his verdict on the La Liga title race ahead of his side’s trip to the Santiago Bernabeu, naming Barcelona as the stronger team while refusing to rule out a major response from Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid.
Speaking to AS before Real Sociedad face Real Madrid in their first home game of the 2026/27 season, Barrenetxea was asked to compare the two Spanish giants after another summer of significant investment.
Barrenetxea sees Barcelona ahead of Real Madrid
When asked about his preference between Real Madrid and Barcelona, Barrenetxea acknowledged that Mourinho could change the situation, although he preferred to name the Blaugrana.
“I see Barcelona as the stronger side, but now Madrid with Mourinho could turn everything around, so I don’t know – but at a pinch, Barcelona.”
Barrenetxea’s assessment comes after another summer in which Spain’s biggest clubs have strengthened their squads, increasing the level of competition at the top of La Liga.
The Real Sociedad winger welcomed the arrival of top players, believing matches against the best teams provide footballers with the clearest measure of their own level.
“Well, I like that. I like the fact that Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atlético have the best players, because ultimately that’s where you get a sense of your own level when you play against them.
Ander Barrenetxea, Real Sociedad player
Barrenetxea feels Barcelona are better than Real Madrid. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
“You see where you really stand, they put you in your place a bit, and I like that.
“I think we’ve all dreamt since we were little of playing against the best: against Messi, Cristiano.
“And I think those players are coming to LaLiga again now, so I’m happy. Rodri joining Barça too – it’s mad.”
Barrenetxea on facing Real Madrid
Barrenetxea was also asked when opponents have the best chance of facing Real Madrid over the course of a season, to which he said,
“Never. It’s best never to face them. But yes, I do think that at the start is when they are in the worst physical shape and when I reckon you can do them the most damage.”
The match also represents an opportunity for Barrenetxea to continue his personal record against Los Blancos.
Ander Barrenetxea, Real Sociedad player
Ander Barrenetxea has a habit of scoring against Real Madrid. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
The winger admitted that Real Madrid are the team he has scored against most often during his career.
“That’s right. Yes, I’m good at it. In fact, I think they’re the team I’ve scored the most goals against.”
He also explained why finding the net at the Santiago Bernabeu carries an extra sense of satisfaction.
“Well, against teams like this, you enjoy scoring even more. I suppose that’s true for everyone, and for me too, of course.”
Lastly, when asked whether he expected any banter from Mourinho, the winger dismissed the possibility and emphasised his respect.
“No, no. Impossible – I have a lot of respect for him,” he concluded.
Versatile Real Madrid star has no intention of leaving as Mourinho maintains complete trust – report
Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images
Brahim Diaz has had a very perplexing career at Real Madrid so far, since moving from Manchester City.
He spent his initial couple of seasons out on loan before returning to the Spanish capital and earning a place in the first-team squad.
Since then, Madrid have gone through a host of managers, and all of them have seen value in keeping the Moroccan around.
A star in his own right for his country and a naturally talented playmaker, Brahim has never really managed to establish himself as a starter for Madrid.
However, he has always played an important role off the bench, competing and proving to be the ultimate squad player.
Brahim’s route to minutes has further diminished this summer following the arrival of Yan Diomande, which has sparked speculation about his future.
Brahim wants to continue at Madrid
Brahim Diaz, Real Madrid player
Brahim Diaz was never close to leaving. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
However, according to Ben Fernandes Santos, Diaz is expected to remain at Real Madrid, with the Morocco international having no intention of leaving and Jose Mourinho continuing to trust him as part of the squad.
The 27-year-old is very clear that he wants to stay, and the club have not indicated otherwise for him to consider a potential exit.
Mourinho’s confidence is another key factor.
Brahim may not be one of the undisputed starters, but his ability to play in several attacking positions makes him a useful option across a long season.
He can operate from the right, as a No. 10 or in narrower attacking roles, giving Mourinho flexibility when rotating or changing the structure during matches.
That versatility could prove especially valuable given the number of competitions Madrid are targeting.
A departure was never really on the cards
Brahim Diaz, Real Madrid player
Mourinho has complete trust in Brahim Diaz. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Santos adds that if Madrid had actually considered selling Brahim, the player would have been willing to listen to offers.
However, such a scenario never actually developed.
It is clear that Madrid see the value in keeping Brahim around and, as long as he is not unhappy with his role, there is no reason to worry.
From the player’s perspective, the 27-year-old is entering the prime years of his career, and if he does not get many opportunities this season, he could push for a move next summer.
However, that is a problem for Madrid to grapple with when they get to it and, for now, they need to focus on the fact that he is staying.
Unless something drastic changes, the Moroccan is set to spend yet another season at the Bernabeu, and it remains to be seen how Mourinho uses him in the coming months.