Real Madrid defender Pepe says there’s ‘no favorite’ in final match

Madrid, May 24 (efe_epa). —  Real Madrid’s defender Képler Laveran Lima Ferreira, also known as Pepe, said on Tuesday that there is “no favorite” in Saturday’s Champions League final against Atletico Madrid.

The Portuguese footballer also praised the team’s French coach Zinedine Zidane, who succeeded Rafael Benitez and managed to bring the team to the final.

“In a final there is no favorite. It’s 5050. Real Madrid due to their history could be, but in this type of game there is no favorite and the team who does best will win,” Pepe said at a press conference.

Pepe also recalled the Real Madrid win in Lisbon two years ago but said that victory is now ‘over’ and Real Madrid must focus on Saturday’s match in Milan.

“Zidane is our coach. He came in and I can’t say what would have happened if Benitez had stayed,” Pepe said, according to the club’s official website.

Pepe praised his rivals, saying “Atletico has quality players and they are a team that fights together and plays together.”

The Portuguese player noted that “it would be a failure” if Real Madrid does not play as a team in the final.

“We’ve got an opportunity and we want to make history for this club.”