Real Madrid defender Pepe says teammate Cristiano Ronaldo is primed for their Champions League showdown with Manchester United.

Ronaldo fired an ominous warning to former club Manchester United with a hat-trick as Real Madrid warmed up for their showdown against the Red Devils with a 4-1 Primera Division win over Sevilla at the Bernabeu.

"For Madrid every game is special, but on Wednesday we have to be ready to meet the challenge," said Madrid defender Pepe, who went on late for his first action since surgery on his right ankle in early January.

"Cristiano is playing well. He is working hard and we need him to keep it up."