Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno insists being top of La Liga is no barometer for this weekend's El Clasico.

Despite Real moving above Barcelona at the top of the table for the first time last weekend Butragueno believes it will have no bearing on the titanic clash at the Camp Nou this Sunday.

Speaking to AS he commented "A program said on Monday that we would go into the Camp Nou as leaders.

"This is good for us and although the team is under construction, we are working better every game and Cristiano Ronaldo could also return, which would give us great strength.

"To be leaders does not make us favorites. Barca are playing at home, they will have the support of their fans. It will be a difficult game for us, but also for them - above all it will be a game with a huge emotional aspect."

When asked about the prospect of star player Ronaldo returning for the big clash Butragueno was unsure of whether the winger would be fit in time - but stressed that there was no reason to rush him back prematurely.

"I don't know if it will be a different game without Cristiano Ronaldo, because two great teams are playing and both have superb players, so I don't think there is a dependency on anyone.

"We'll have to see how Ronaldo is because it's been several weeks since he played and we must be careful. When he is fit, Ronaldo is a decisive player." he added.