Espanyol coach Mauricio Pochettino admits they must stop Cristiano Ronaldo if they're to upset Real Madrid today.

Pochettino has highlighted Ronaldo as one of the main men his side need to stop.

The Portugal forward already has seven league goals to his name this season - including two hat-tricks - and scored a wonder goal against Ajax in midweek.

"It's important to cut Cristiano Ronaldo off," the Argentinian said.

"But Real have other major players. They are very balanced and high quality. Their squad is larger than last season.

"Let's play as though we are going to win. We are brave but we will not go looking for them because we know we will suffer."