"Madrid will always fight until the last minute in all 3 competitions"

Former Real Madrid star Képler Laverán Lima Ferreira, known in the football world as Pepe, recently analysed the 'Merengues' season so far in an interview with 'AS'. 

"Real Madrid's form? The team is doing well, still alive on all 3 fronts. Madrid will always fight until the last minute in all 3 competitions," said the former Portugal international.

The former Porto center-back was also keen to praise rising star Raul Asencio, who has managed to establish himself in the starting eleven at just 22 years of age. "He's a kid with a lot of drive. He has desire and a lot of quality. He's going to contribute a lot, as he's already doing, to help Madrid win titles."

In addition, Pepe talked about the increasingly common fact of staying in the top flight despite longevity, something he has experienced firsthand, having retired at 41 after playing in a European Championship and being a key player at Porto. 

"There are exceptions. Look at Modric, performs at an incredible level, with all the pressure at Madrid. Cristiano Ronaldo, who has given so much to football, continues to perform at a high level as well.