Real Madrid defender Pepe has said there are no favourites at this stage of the Champions League and Los Blancos will need to be at their best if they are to beat Juventus.
The La Liga giants take on the newly-crowned Seria A champions in Turin this evening in the first leg of their semi-final tie. The holders are seen by many as the favourites for the tie, but Pepe told journalists that Juventus have dangerous players themselves – including former Real forward Alvaro Morata.
“We know the game will be difficult. It’s difficult to play here, but we approach the game with great serenity. We know there are no favourites at this stage of the Champions League,” he said.
When asked about Juve’s most dangerous players, the 32-year-old picked out Morata and Carlos Tevez.
“Tevez? He’s a player with great quality, he never loses the ball. He’s a player who fights a lot and chases every ball, be battles on the field. We’re facing great players, not just Tevez, but also [Fernando] Llorente and Morata.
“As for Morata, he’s a guy who made his debut alongside me at Real, I have a lot of time for him and for his family. He’s a really good lad. I’m glad to face him in such an important match. I know he has a lot of affection for Real, but tomorrow when the whistle blows he’ll play for his current shirt, and I’ll play for mine. At that point, friendships are put to one side.”
