Pepe: Real Madrid Must Beat BATE

Pepe is confident that Real Madrid can put their season back on track with a morale boosting victory in the Champions League against BATE on Tuesday evening.

The Portuguese defender was keen to remain positive ahead of the game, that will be played in freezing conditions, and was only prepared to consider taking all three points.

Madrid have lost their last two games in Europe against Juventus and Pepe hopes that the Spanish giants can regain some ground if the Italians slip up in their encounter.

"We have to win. We are going to show that we are still very much alive in the Champions League," he told a press conference.

"Besides, Juventus are playing in Russia against Zenit [St Petersburg], a game that could favour our interests."

"We have to play as a team and be focussed and preprared. These are the characteristics that helped Real Madrid win two consecutive league titles."

"Now we hope that the same success can be achieved again this season."

Madrid are second in Group H and just two points ahead of Zenit, but Pepe believes that Bernd Schuster's team will progress to the next stage with few problems.

"I am sure that we will qualify. I have complete faith in my team-mates and in the way we play. I know we can do it," he added.