Cesc Fabregas plays down Cristiano Ronaldo rivalry

Cesc Fabregas has dismissed claims that tonight's Euro 2012 semi-final will be decided between Spain's defence and Portugal attacker Cristiano Ronaldo.

Many pundits have claimed that should the Real Madrid frontman be on top form, he will end Spain's hopes of defending their crown.

However, Spain midfielder Fabregas has insisted that there is so much to the tie.

"Tonight's match is not a clash between Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona. That's not what is going through our heads," Fabregas told El Mundo Deportivo.

"We know all too well that this is a match between Spain and Portugal. We all want the best for our teams and there is nothing more to it. We will just go out and play our own game, and won't think about anything else.

"Portugal have a great team and a lot of potential. They don't play the kind of football you would expect from them. They have some great players in midfield, and their attack is very unpredictable."

You can read Sports Mole's preview of the encounter here.