Zinedine Zidane plays down Real Madrid's El Clasico showdown with Barcelona

Zinedine Zidane has played down the significance of Real Madrid's La Liga encounter with Barcelona this weekend, saying the outcome of the match will not be "decisive".

Real travel to Camp Nou on 3 December on the back of a 32-game unbeaten run and with a six-point advantage over their great rivals in the La Liga table.

Barcelona have only won two of their last six matches in all competitions and were held to a 1-1 draw by Segunda B side Hercules in the Copa del Rey in midweek.

Speaking after Real's 6-1 win over Cultural Leonesa in the second leg of the Copa del Rey round of 32, Zidane said the result of the first El Clasico of the season will not decide the title race.

"We're not thinking about the consequences of the result, only about preparing well for the game. Whatever happens it won't be decisive," the Frenchman told Real Madrid's official website.

"It's a good match against a great opponent who will certainly make it difficult for us and that's all there is to it.

"We have to be ready. Now we need to rest up and we'll start our preparations tomorrow. It won't be decisive, not at all."

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro played the full 90 minutes against Cultural Leonesa on his return from a leg injury that had kept him sidelined since September.

Zidane said Casemiro could play against Barcelona if needed even though there are only three rest days between the two fixtures.

"[Casemiro] felt fine. He struggled a little bit early on but that's to be expected after almost two months out. It was important for him to play a full match and he's happy and well prepared," he said.

"When you look at the way we've played in midfield in our recent games, we've been strong. Casemiro has come back, he's fit and ready to help the team.

"He's with us and we'll have to see what we're going to do on Saturday, but we're going to need everyone."