Real Madrid vs Barcelona: 5 Talking Points from El Clasico

#2 Kovacic's primary role to man-mark Messi cost Real Madrid

Mateo Kovacic receives instructions from Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane

When the starting lineup for Real Madrid was announced, a big surprise came in the form of Mateo Kovacic coming into the XI with Isco dropping to the bench. The Croatian midfielder had only played 71 minutes in La Liga this season prior to the Clasico.

But he held his own - at least in the first half. More importantly, he had one role and that was to keep Lionel Messi quiet. The Argentine forward barely had a touch in the first half hour and managed to create only two chances and had no shots on goal.

Kovacic was also crucial to Real not only keeping possession but also winning the ball back. He was also the only player to finish the half with a 100% pass completion rate (24/24 passes).

However, that also proved to be Real's undoing as he was on the wrong side of Messi on a Barca counter-attack, allowing Ivan Rakitic to waltz through into the vacated space and initiate the play that eventually saw Luis Suarez score.

Once the game opened up, he had no chance of keeping up with Messi who eventually helped create the second goal as well.