Roberto Carlos believes Real Madrid will win La Liga if they beat Atletico

11-Apr-2012 1:11:00 PM

The former Brazil defender feels that Los Blancos will go on to lift the league title if they defeat their city rivals, before lavishing praise on defender Pepe

Former Real Madrid star Roberto Carlos is convinced that Jose Mourinho's men will claim the Primera Division crown if they beat cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

Barcelona's 4-0 win over Getafe on Tuesday trimmed the gap to Los Blancos to just one point at the top of the table, but the Brazilian left-back believes that the championship could be decided early, despite six matchdays still to go after this midweek's round of games, including a Clasico clash on April 21.

"I do think that the league is decided if Real beat Atletico. Madrid enter the game knowing that Barca won their match, that Atletico will be highly motivated, and that the Clasico is coming up," he told AS.

"Madrid have never had any problems with pressure though. Both sides have a number of difficult games toward the end of the season."

Roberto Carlos then took time to praise Pepe as he feels that the powerful defender is a key figure for the Santiago Bernabeu side.

The 29-year-old Pepe has received his fair share of criticism in the past few seasons for his controversial and aggressive behaviour on the pitch, but Roberto Carlos has stressed that every team needs a player like the Portugal international.

"Pepe becomes another person when he pulls on the Real Madrid jersey. He is pretty quiet off the pitch, but completely changes on the pitch and wants to be a point of reference," Roberto Carlos said to AS.

"I love his commitment. He has character and a bit of madness. You need players like him on the pitch. There are certain positions where you need different players."

Madrid lock horns with Atletico at the Vicente Calderon at 22.00CET.

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