Real Madrid coach Zidane not worried about Catalan protests, just happy to be playing El Clasico

Barcelona star Lionel Messi empathised with Zinedine Zidane's high-pressure situation at Real Madrid but said top players and coaches must be ready for intense scrutiny.

Messi will be the centre of attention when his Barca side host bitter rivals Madrid in a crucial Clasico at Camp Nou on Wednesday.

Goal difference is all that separates the teams and an away victory would place Zidane's men in a strong position to win LaLiga for the first time since the 2016-17 season.