We’re progressing well – Pepe

Real Madrid are progressing well under Rafa Benitez so far this season, according to defender Pepe.

The Portuguese featured in the 6-0 win over Espanyol on Saturday in which compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo scored five times with Karim Benzema grabbing a goal for himself.

Los Blancos started the La Liga campaign in disappointing fashion with a goalless draw at Sporting Gijon but responded by beating Real Betis 5-0 before the international break.

Talking to reporters after the game, 32-year-old Pepe said the team was getting to grips with Benitez’ methods and the team is starting to gel nicely.

“Just like we did against Betis, today we put in a great performance, created loads of chances and pressed the opposition well. To add to that we have Cristiano, who is just incredible. He played a fantastic game and deserves all the plaudits,” he stated.

And he added: Managing to keep a cleansheet over three games is the work of the whole team and it is important that the results of that work are reflected on the pitch. It is a great credit to the defenders as well as the forward players.

“Things didn’t go that well for us against Sporting Gijon, although that was also down to them being extremely eager and giving us a tough game. Things went better for us against Betis, just as they did today, and bit by bit we are getting into our stride, which is what the manager has been asking of us.”