Pepe has defended Real Madrid’s 0-0 draw against Sporting Gijon, saying his team played well enough to win, and was unlucky not to.

Real were missing the services of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain, who were absent from the first-team squad through injury.

"We lacked goals," Pepe told Marca after the game. "We played well and fought for the victory. We are good enough to win the league."

"They pressured us a lot. They are a well organized team, and it is a difficult ground to play at.

"We must not talk about the injured players, but only the ones that are here."

Pepe sustained a sprained ankle during the game but was able to carry on in spite of the injury. Xabi Alonso and Ezequiel Garay were substituted as a precautionary means.

The Portugal international was not at all surprised by the injury count, saying: "Apart from the international games, we have played eight games in a month."

"It was also a difficult pitch."