It’s an interesting conclusion to the game that took place in the Super Cup, in which Kovacic actually man-marked Leo Messi
Guillem Balague on Real Madrid star Mateo Kovacic
He says Kovacic did a job on Messi in the Spanish Super Cup earlier this season, where Real beat Barcelona 2-0.
Balague also believes Real are treating today’s game like a final, as many feel it is a must-win game with them 11 points off their rivals at the top of La Liga.
“It’s an interesting conclusion to the game that took place in the Super Cup, in which Kovacic actually man-marked Leo Messi,” Balague said on Sky Sports.
“For many many years we hear from coaches that that doesn’t make any sense, but actually he stopped Messi.
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SKY SPORTS
Mateo Kovacic was a surprise inclusion in Real Madrid's El Clasico starting XI
“But it was a Messi just off the summer, with a longer holiday than everybody else and basically in a competition that is less in competition.
“So he’s actually taking this decision as if it’s a ‘final’ for Real Madrid.
“The thing to say about Real Madrid, they haven’t lost a final since 2000.
“So when it’s a final, they tend to come up better than the rest of the days.”
Barca went on to win the game 3-0, with Dani Carvajal sent off for the hosts.