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CRISTIANO RONALDO: " WE ARE NOT WORRIED ABOUT THE KIND OF GREETING WE MAY RECEIVE AT THE CAMP NOU"

"I don't feel more pressure than the rest; the entire team feels the responsibility of having to play a good game"

Carlos Cristobal / Translation by Michael J. O'Donnell

Cristiano Ronaldo talked about the Clasico in today's press conference.

"The Clasico may be decisive, but we don't know yet. What's clear is that we intend to win the match. We know it is a very important game and we will be optimistic in our search for victory. We will know if it turns out to be decisive at the end of the season."

"There is much at stake for all of us. I'm just another player on this team. We all feel the responsibility of having to play a good game. I don't feel more pressure than the rest. I always want more, but my team-mates have the same thoughts and goals I have."

"I hope the story changes this season. We haven't lost a single game yet, which is important because makes it us confident. We know it will be a difficult match, but we are proving to be a solid side. I feel confident and I hope we earn a good result."

"It will only be natural for the Camp Nou crowd to greet our coach badly after what happened in the Champions League semifinals last year when he was at Inter Milan. But we are not worried about it. We will concentrate hard and will not dwell on anything unrelated to the game itself."

"Each team has its own style and identity, but both are playing well. We do what we think is best to win. We want to play well and score goals. In the end, all that really matters are the three points at stake."

Message from Cristiano's twitter

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6>OMG MY BABY LIKES PRISON BREAK

Ronaldo plays down Messi talk

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has played down talk of the El Clasico being a duel being him and Barcelona ace Lionel Messi.

The duo are widely regarded as the best players on the planet at present and both go into the Nou Camp showdown in phenomenal form.

Ronaldo, 25, has struck 17 times in his last 12 competitive outings for Madrid, while he has netted 51 goals in just 54 appearances for the Spanish giants overall since his record-breaking £80million move from Manchester United in the summer of 2009.

Messi, 23, is proving equally as unstoppable and has 16 goals in his last 11 appearances for the Catalan giants - during which streak he has netted his sixth hat-trick of 2010 for the club and his 150th official goal for Barca.

The duo are also the leading two scorers in La Liga, with Ronaldo having netted 14 goals compared to 13 from Messi.

It is a mouthwatering prospect to see the two superstars go head-to-head in what is one of the most eagerly-awaited Clasicos in recent times, but Ronaldo insists the focus should not solely be on the of them.

When asked his thoughts on the subject, Ronaldo described it as: "silly talk"

"It's part of the news, of the press, to sell newspapers. It's normal, but I don't see the game as a duel between us. We are playing 11 against 11, we have to be concerned about everyone," the Portugal international said.

"Of course anyone who scores goals is dangerous, but we have to think about everyone."

Regarding his own role in the Madrid side, Ronaldo said: "I'm one more player in this team. Things are going well, as much for me as the team, but I don't considered myself to be under more pressure than others.

"We all have responsibilities. I always want more, that's the way I am, but my team-mates have the same objectives, they all want to do their best, like me."

The match pits the leading two teams in La Liga against each other, with pacesetters Madrid holding a one-point advantage over Barca, who in turn are seven points clear of third-placed Villarreal as the battle for the Primera Division title already looks to be another two-horse race.

Last season there was a 25-point gap between the two Spanish superpowers and Valencia in third come the end of the campaign, with Barca finishing three points clear of Madrid after winning both meetings with the capital club.

With that in mind, it could be that the two encounters this season will again be crucial.

Ronaldo said: "That could be the case, or it might not be, it's unknown. We will play to win, it's a very important game, we want to win. Will it be decisive? We'll see what happens during the season.

"I hope it's a completely different story (this season). We haven't lost this season, and this is important because it gives you confidence, but neither can we be relaxed because we know it will be difficult.

"I'm confident because the team are in good form, the coach (Jose Mourinho) has given us confidence, and we hope to get a good result.

Messi vs Ronaldo- Head to head

The world's finest players square off on Monday when Lionel Messi's Barcelona host Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid.

Last year's 'Clasico' clashes were dominated by the Catalans, who won both games en route to winning La Liga. However, Madrid's appointment of Jose Mourinho has levelled the playing field and upped the ante ahead of Monday's big match.

Press Association Sport's Phil Barnett takes a look at the two key protagonists.

Speed

Over 100 metres on a track, the athletic Ronaldo would beat the impish Messi. Crucially, however, Messi can run with a ball nearly as quickly as he can without, while Ronaldo's close control is far less impressive. This makes them both more effective at different moments.

Skill

Ronaldo is a human highlight reel of superfluous flicks and tricks but is also able to utilise his impressive range of moves to affect matches. Messi has a far smaller bag of tricks and relies only on breathtaking natural ball control and dribbling - the best we've seen since Diego Maradona - to simply outstrip and outwit opponents.

Goalscoring

Ronaldo has the edge in front of goal. Comfortable with both feet and strong in the air, his record is also more impressive than Messi's, thanks in part to his development into a more central, forward role. However, Messi is catching him up as he also matures into a more advanced position and the two are currently neck and neck - Ronaldo has 14 La Liga goals, Messi 13.

Power

Ronaldo is bigger and stronger than Messi, who joined Barcelona when he needed growth hormone treatment as a boy and still bears a lightweight frame. The Portugal international can use his size to win balls in the air - when necessary - and maintain his performance for 90 minutes. Yet the diminutive Messi, who is nicknamed 'The Flea', is more robust when challenged, stays on his feet better and tracks back more often.

Temperament

While Messi is perceived as meek and mild, he is a key figure in the Barca dressing room and coach Pep Guardiola has groomed him to become an understated leader. His infectious enthusiasm, honesty and boyish naivety win him as many admirers as his skills although his tendency to stay on his feet when fouled may frustrate the more cynical Barca supporters. Ronaldo is the polar opposite - tempestuous, sulky and scheming. This, though, represents his winning mentality and commitment to the cause - be it the team's or his own.

Big game mentality

Both players have been accused of failing to turn up when it matters at times in their career. Messi's goal in the 2009 Champions League final against Manchester United helped erase those doubts, while Ronaldo's woeful World Cup and startlingly ineffective performances against Barca last year leave question marks over his mettle.

Verdict

Ronaldo is the machine, Messi the magician. The former's attributes stack up better on paper but Messi has the 'je ne sais quoi' which gives him the edge, however slight.

"El Clasico": Key player battles

Ahead of the explosive "El Clasico" clash, ESPNSTAR.com brings you the possible player battles which could unfold.

By Sham Majid

Cristiano Ronaldo vs Eric Abidal

The Portuguese maestro has yet to open his account in the "El Clasico", let alone savour a victory over his club's hated rivals. Nevertheless, the former World Player of the Year has been in sizzling form this season, having already notched a staggering 14 goals in just 12 La Liga encounters. He is also the king of assists, having had a hand in five of Real's goals in domestic action. Under the stewardship of compatriot Jose Mourinho, Ronaldo has recaptured the stellar form he produced while in the latter stages of his Manchester United career. He has been simply sublime every time he has taken to the pitch and Barca leftback Eric Abidal could well struggle to deal with the former's repertoire of skills and deadly finishing.

Mesut Özil vs Daniel Alves

Precocious German schemer Özil seems to be reveling under the Santiago Bernabeu spotlight and the former Werder Bremen midfielder is increasingly becoming Real's chief creative architect. Like Ronaldo, he too has also contributed five assists to help Mourinho's charges plunder 33 goals so far in the league. Özil has not done too shabbily either in front of goal, already registering three league goals. Though predominantly playing on the left, he often interchanges positions at ease with livewire Ronaldo and his panache and flair can unlock the meanest of defences. Rampaging Brazilian rightback Daniel Alves has firmly established himself as one of the world's best fullbacks. Always looking to bomb forward, the Samba defender is no slouch in defence either and is a key component of Pep Guardiola's philosophy of attacking fullbacks.

Xavi Hernandez vs Xabi Alonso

The clash of the two "X"s promises to be a fascinating and intriguing affair. Though defined in layman terms as the anchorman who holds the forte in defence and midfield, it would be downright insulting to assume that the Spain international duo are anything but midfield carriers. Xavi and Xabi Alonso both possess technical ability of the highest calibre and their ability to spray passes around the pitch is an absolute delight to watch. Often fulcrums in their respective outfits, the duo are blessed with the ability to control the rhythm and tempo of their teams according to the demands of the match. They both share two assists apiece in La Liga and though their importance to the cause is often understated, their duel on Monday promises to be a clash of two classy exponents of the Beautiful Game.

Lionel Messi vs Ricardo Carvalho

Argentine sensation Messi absolutely loves playing in "El Clasico" and his incredible record in the derby affirms that statement. The nippy forward bagged a hat trick in his first proper encounter in 2007 and he hasn't looked back since. Messi has plundered a further four strikes against Real, taking his tally to an amazing seven goal haul. Though he is a shade behind Ronaldo having scored 13 league goals so far, he has also engineered five assists for the Nou Camp outfit, highlighting his massive influence on the Barca attack. Adept with either foot and able to slither around the tightest of backlines, the Real rearguard will have to be on their toes to prevent Messi from continuing his scoring prowess against them. No nonsense defender Carvalho, a summer acquisition from Chelsea, has proven over the years to be one of the best centrebacks in the business. Though he last lost a yard of pace or two as compared to his early career with the Blues, he more than makes up for it with his impeccable positioning and timing of tackles. It remains to be seen whether the Portuguese can bully Messi out of the crunch clash.

David Villa vs Pepe

Spain sharpshooter Villa, who made the switch to Barca from Valencia in the summer, has hit the ground running for his new club by bagging six goals in domestic action. Spain's record goalscorer has also added a new dimension to his all round play, by contributing four assists. His ability to link up brilliantly with Messi, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Pedro has been a key factor in Barca's deadly attacking triumvirate. Only needing a sniff at goal to find the back of the net, Villa has been a shrewd signing by Guardiola and is adored by the Barca faithful. Real stopper Pepe has only recently been reinstated to the team after being out of action for more than a year due to ligament damage. Lightning quick and as tough as nails, the Portuguese defender will be looking to stamp his mark against both Villa and Barca. Another interesting battle looms.

Ronaldo: El Clasico just another match

Real Madrid midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo is adamant that their “El Clasico” clash with Barcelona will not have an added significance.

Jose Mourinho's troops are currently a point ahead of Barca at the summit of the La Liga table and Tuesday's 4-0 thumping at Ajax in the Champions League have set them up nicely for Monday's explosive affair with their Nou Camp rivals.

Despite the decorated history and glamour of the "El Clasico" fixture, Ronaldo insists that Real will approach it just like any other game.

"Although it's an important match for both teams, it's just another match," Ronaldo is quoted as saying by Madrid's official website.

"We are one point ahead of them and it will be a tough road game, but I am confident we will earn a positive result. It's not a final. There are still many games to be played.

The Portuguese is no under no illusions of the task awaiting his side in front of the vociferous Nou Camp faithful.

"They are a difficult team to beat. It's the same team as in recent years and they are especially strong at home. They have shown that they are right in the hunt with us for the league title.

"We are working hard and doing well. We know that we are in good shape, which is why it will be a good match."

"We are two very different yet very similar teams. We are both good and in the hunt for the Liga title, but we play very different football.

"We try to reach the opponent's box quickly and to finish plays as soon as possible. We have our identity, we don't imitate anyone and we will continue doing what we are doing because we have obtained good results."

Ronaldo also waxed lyrical over the impact made by Mourinho, who has not lost a match in any competition yet this season.

He added: "It's a pleasure and an honour to work with an elite coach who has won it all. I hope Mourinho can use all his experience to bring many titles to Madrid. May the best team win the Clasico, and the best will be Madrid."

Barcelona themselves warmed up for Monday's encounter with an easy 3-0 triumph over Panathinaikos in the Champions League.

Cris leaving a birthday party of a team mate Alonso

by unamadridista

Cristiano was given the task of speaking to the press two days before the derby, and I liked some of what he said, especially about how this is one more game, and that it’s not just Cristiano vs. Messi.

On whether the derby is Cristiano Ronaldo vs. Leo Messi: Son tonterías. It’s a battle between probably the two best teams in Spain. We’re 11 against 11. Messi will do his best to help his team win, like I will.

On the game: It’s an important game, but others are as well. This game is worth three points, not six; it’s the same as a game against Getafe or Valencia.

On his “jogo bonito”: I like spectacular football and I like to play it. Whoever likes it will like it. And whoever doesn’t can close their eyes or turn off the television.

On how much he wants to score his first goal against Barcelona: What’s important is not whether I score, but whether the team wins. I am not obsessed with scoring. I want to score against everyone, not just Barça. Is it special? Yes, but the desire is always the same.

On whether he has more responsibilities as a reference point for Madrid: No. I’m one more player on this team. Things are going well for me and for the team, but I don’t believe there is more pressure on me than on anyone else. We all have responsibilities. I always want more, but my teammates also want to do their best, like me.

On Piqué: We get along well. We know each other from Manchester. There are no problems between us.

On what Madrid’s strategy for the game – to attack or defend – is: the míster will be talking to you all tomorrow, no? Ask him.

Cristiano Ronaldo at El Clasico press conference