Real Madrid can't make Atletico mistakes again, says Pepe

Thegoalmac can reveal that Pepe has warned his Real Madrid team-mates they cannot afford a repeat of the mistakes they have made in previous games against Atletico Madrid in Tuesday's Champions League clash.

Carlo Ancelotti's side have been second best in recent derbies against their neighbours, losing both La Liga games, their Spanish Supercopa meeting and Copa del Rey last 16 tie this term.

Their most recent meeting was a 4-0 drubbing at the Vicente Calderon but the Portugal international is hoping for a different outcome at the same ground this time.

"It’s a difficult match for us but also for them," he is quoted as saying by AS.

"I think that we must not commit the same errors that we committed in previous matches against Atletico.

"If we go out with the intensity and the humility that the team showed last year and in these matches right now, I think that we will surely produce a good performance."

Madrid closed the gap on Liga leaders Barcelona to two points this weekend after the Catalans let a two-goal lead slip at Sevilla on Saturday.

Pepe started his side's 3-0 win over Eibar on the bench and is holding out hope they can pip their old rivals to the title.

"To be within two points is important for us, it’s a lift that we have but a lot is left and we still have to fight hard," he added.

"We have to face every game with great seriousness and that is what we are doing. It is our objective to fight until the end, what we are trying to do. It’s often difficult but it’s what we have to do."