Olmo Says Real Madrid Aims To Undermine Barcelona

The World Cup is underway and while the Spanish national side boasts several Barcelona players, their overall impact has been underwhelming so far. In contrast, Real Madrid’s representatives have been making waves in the tournament. Dani Olmo, the Barcelona playmaker, has yet to find the net and has been limited to a supporting role in the midfield.

Olmo’s criticism of Real Madrid

Speaking to RAC1 and quoted by Mundo Deportivo, Olmo accused Real Madrid of using the Negreira case to create disruption for Barcelona. “It’s normal that they want to make noise somehow,” he said, referencing the two recent seasons in which his club has captured La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa. “It’s normal that they want to destabilise things, but we are focused on our own game and on continuing to win,” he added.

The midfielder also recognised that Real Madrid, which went trophyless for two seasons, will look to rebound. “They are looking to improve, but we also improve every year,” he noted. His remarks come amid a surge in tension between the two historic rivals.

Rivalry hits a new low

The spat between Real Madrid and Barcelona has escalated to an unprecedented level. The Merengues have formally submitted a detailed dossier to UEFA, alleging that referees have shown preferential treatment to Barcelona, a claim President Florentino Perez has repeatedly called the biggest scandal in football history. Barcelona, refusing to stay silent, has initiated legal proceedings against Perez for his remarks.

Olmo’s comments reflect the broader hostility now plaguing the sport. While both clubs claim they are merely defending their interests, the public fallout threatens to distract from on‑field performances, especially during a busy international calendar. Fans and analysts alike are watching to see whether the disputes will spill over into future league matches or remain confined to the legal arena.

Looking ahead, the intensity of the rivalry could shape squad dynamics, transfer strategies, and even coaching approaches as each side prepares for upcoming domestic and European campaigns. The World Cup pause offers a brief breather, but the underlying tensions are unlikely to dissipate without concrete actions from governing bodies.