|
|
Pepe: Real Madrid were very superior to Barcelona in Copa del Rey Clasico
The Portugal international believes Madrid turned in a great display at Camp Nou and insists that both the players and the fans have reason to rejoice
26 Jan 2012 08:40:00
By Luis Mira
Pepe - Real Madrid
Pepe reckons Real Madrid were the stronger side in the 2-2 Copa del Rey draw against Barcelona at Camp Nou on Wednesday evening.
The Santiago Bernabeu club drew level through Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema after going behind to goals from Pedro and Dani Alves, but they could not beat Jose Pinto a third time.
The result means that Jose Mourinho's side are unable to defend their Copa del Rey title after their 2-1 defeat in the first leg, but Pepe believes that the Madrid faithful should be happy with the display.
"We showed the true 'Madridista' spirit, the spirit of a great group," he said after the game. "Today, we were very superior to Barca. We are proud of what we did and of what we have. The fans are also proud."
Pepe escaped punishment for his stamp on Lionel Messi in the first leg, but he did not wish the comment on his controversial action in last week's match.
"I will only talk about football," the Portuguese continued. "But I hope that this week everything that happened during this match will be debated."
Barcelona will now face either Levante or Valencia in the semi-final of the competition.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
The Santiago Bernabeu club drew level through Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema after going behind to goals from Pedro and Dani Alves, but they could not beat Jose Pinto a third time.
The result means that Jose Mourinho's side are unable to defend their Copa del Rey title after their 2-1 defeat in the first leg, but Pepe believes that the Madrid faithful should be happy with the display.
"We showed the true 'Madridista' spirit, the spirit of a great group," he said after the game. "Today, we were very superior to Barca. We are proud of what we did and of what we have. The fans are also proud."
Pepe escaped punishment for his stamp on Lionel Messi in the first leg, but he did not wish the comment on his controversial action in last week's match.
"I will only talk about football," the Portuguese continued. "But I hope that this week everything that happened during this match will be debated."
Barcelona will now face either Levante or Valencia in the semi-final of the competition.
Starting in November and continuing through to the middle of February, Goal.com is publishing exclusive extracts from Graham Hunter's highly-anticipated new book, 'Barca: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World'. Friday's extract looks at how Barca suffered rare disappointment at the hands of Real Madrid in a gripping finale to last season's Copa del Rey. Don't miss it!
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Omission of Ferdinand & Richards bites back at Hodgson
The Manchester United man's absence from the Three Lions squad continues to dominate debate after the Chelsea defender is ruled out and Liverpool youngster called up in his place
-
Mock the Weekend: Euro 2012 a push too far for Cahill
The Three Lions can count themselves fortunate not to be clouded by Italy's off-the-field problems, while Eden Hazard fails to live up to his own billing at Wembley
-
Why England are injury-ravaged before a tournament
The absence of Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard and shows just how much club commitments take their toll on the national team as Euro 2012 looms
-
Goal.com readers back Richards over Rio & Kelly
The fans have spoken and a small majority believe the Manchester City right-back was the right choice to deputise in place of the Chelsea centre-back who suffered a broken jaw
-
Hodgson’s headaches: How to utilise Oxlade-Chamberlain
The Arsenal starlet has proved himself capable on the big stage and effective in a number of positions for his club, but how much will he be trusted at the Euros?
