'We don't use levers' - Barcelona hit with damning insult over controversial finances as Osasuna executive takes aim ahead of Supercopa de Espana clash

Canal responded to the controversial allocation of money handed to various participants in the four-team Supercopa, after it was revealed that the Copa del Rey finalists will receive just €900,000 (£770,000/$990,000) for playing. Barcelona and Real Madrid could earn up to 10 times more if they win.

Canal took aim at Barcelona's financial dealings in a pre-match press conference: "We do not beg, we do not have social capital or use levers. We respect everyone, we believe that the competition is great. We are small but big in terms of spirit and we are the team that has brought the most here."

Barca have been criticised across Spanish football for their financial dealings in recent years. Club president Joan Laporta famously used a series of "levers" — sneaky financial deals — to lift the club out of dire trouble.

Osasuna booked their place in the Super Cup after making it to the final of the 2023 Copa del Rey, where they lost to Madrid. They are currently 12th in La Liga.

The two sides will meet in the Supercopa semi-final Thursday evening. The winner will face Madrid, who beat Atletico Madrid in the other semi-final on Wednesday.