Real Sociedad star names Barcelona as stronger side but expects Real Madrid to improve: ‘Mourinho could turn everything around’ | OneFootball

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. 

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 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.