The Blancos’ bid for a 23rd consecutive victory in all competitions came to halt at Mestalla but the defender remains upbeat about their Liga title hopes
Pepe insisted that Real Madrid did not deserve to lose at Valencia on Sunday but felt it was naive to think that the European champions’ winning run would continue until the end of the season.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men had arrived at Mestalla looking for a 23rd consecutive victory and they made a fine start, with Cristiano Ronaldo opening the scoring from the penalty spot just 14 minutes in.
However, Madrid’s club-record run was left in tatters after second-half strikes from Antonio Barragan and Nicolas Otamendi.
Pepe was frustrated by the manner of the defeat but was quick to point out that the Blancos remain one point clear of both Barcelona and Atletico at the top of La Liga with a game in hand.
“We did not deserve to lose,” the defender is quoted as saying by AS. “It’s true that we did not play well in the second half of the game but we had chances.
“There is a lot left to play for in the league and we are still fighting for it.
“It is difficult to win every game; you have to assume there will be mistakes along the way, and assume there will be defeats.
