Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has reportedly come up with a specific plan to contain FC Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi in the first El Clasico of the season.

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The match is set to take place on Saturday, 23 December, at the Santiago Bernabeu, and could be the first opportunity for Los Blancos to close the gap on their rivals in the league.

According to Spanish publication Diario Gol, the French manager has got a plan involving Croatia international Mateo Kovacic to stop Messi.

The midfielder recently returned from injury, but will be expected to be fit come the Clasico in four weeks' time.

The Croatian played a starring role for the European champions against the Blaugrana in the Spanish Super Cup at the beginning of the season, from which Real emerged as victors.

The 23-year-old was deployed as a deep holding midfielder and asked to track Messi's runs throughout the two matches.

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The report did not state exactly what Zidane's plan will be for the Argentine, though.

Who is your favourite to win El Clasico in December? Have your say in the comments section below.