As El Clásico approaches, tensions are already rising—and not just on the pitch. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti lit up social media with a press conference comment widely interpreted as a subtle dig at FC Barcelona, referencing their absence from the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

"It's the Last Clásico, Because Barça Aren’t Playing the Club World Cup"

Speaking ahead of this Sunday’s LaLiga showdown, Ancelotti was asked about the significance of the match. One particular quote, delivered with a slight grin, quickly went viral:

“It’s the last Clásico of the season… because Barça won’t be at the Club World Cup.”

His comment, picked up by Mundo Deportivo and SPORT, was perceived by many as a sarcastic jab directed at Barcelona—a club going through a turbulent stretch on and off the pitch.

Why Barcelona Won’t Be at the Club World Cup

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be held in the United States with an expanded 32-team format. While Real Madrid have already secured their place, Barcelona failed to qualify due to insufficient results and UEFA coefficient points in recent Champions League campaigns.

This absence has been seen as a reflection of the club’s sporting decline in Europe over the past few years—and now it’s become a talking point ahead of one of the biggest matches of the season.

Building Clásico Tension

Sunday’s Clásico is not just about pride: it could decide LaLiga, with Barcelona currently four points ahead of Real Madrid. Ancelotti’s comment, while delivered with his trademark calm demeanor, hit a nerve.

There’s been no official response from Barcelona, but many fans and media outlets in Catalonia believe the veteran coach knew exactly what he was doing.

Ancelotti is known for his respectful approach, but this moment showed that the rivalry runs deep—and even a smile can be enough to ignite the fire before El Clásico.