WATCH: Barcelona forced to apologise to Real Madrid after this happened in a kids match

Ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico between the two Spanish giants, a mini-Clasico took place that ended in controversy.

While Real Madrid players were celebrating a goal by the corner flag, one of Barca’s youngsters decided to take kick-off quickly and ran the ball down the other end of the pitch into the empty net.

The referee ruled the goal out and the player in question appeared to accept he’d shown a lack of sportsmanship.

And Barca officials then apologised to their Madrid counterparts for the incident.

Los Blancos posted a quote on social media after the match which read: “The rivalry is demonstrated on the pitch. Afterwards, we are friends.

“Before the shirt, we are people.

“Today, it was us, another time, it will be them. But, my greatest respect to a great trainer and an even better person.”

But there will be no love lost between the two senior sides when they meet at the Bernabeu this weekend.

Madrid currently lead Barca by three points at the top of La Liga and have a game in hand.