Real Betis coach Pepe Mel expects a backlash from Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo today.

Barcelona ace Lionel Messi earned plaudits from across the globe after becoming the first player to score five goals in a Champions League match in the win over Bayer Leverkusen.

"So far this year, when Leo has put in a great performance Cristiano always responds and vice versa," said Mel.

"Cristiano can destroy us with his speed and his hunger for titles. But he is not alone in that squad. Kaka, Ozil, Higuain, Khedira, Alonso...they have too many big players to expect us to win."