Pepe believes the secret to Real Madrid’s 3-0 win over Borussia Dortmund was matching the effort of the visitors.
Goals from Gareth Bale, Isco and Cristiano Ronaldo gave Los Blancos a comfortable victory in the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final against the Bundesliga side.
Speaking in the mixed zone after the match, Pepe said Madrid have to reach that level again in Germany.
“It was important not to concede a goal and we have played very well, with great intensity,” the defender continued.
“We’ve come out strong for the match and that’s what we have to do in the return leg to reach the semi-finals.
“We know that Borussia have great players and play with a lot of intensity in their game. Their Coach requires them to give a lot.
“It’s normal that in the second-half our intensity went down after scoring three goals. We feel we could have scored more but we’ve got a good feeling for the return leg.”
Pepe added that a large part of Madrid’s game plan was centred around coping with the pressing of Dortmund.
“We knew they were strong at pressing so we tried to change the game, develop down the flanks with the full-backs and play with a lot of intensity,” he revealed
Pepe also confirmed his happiness at Santiago Bernabeu and thanks the supporters for their backing.
“I feel happy every day to wear the shirt of Real Madrid,” the former Porto player said.
“Today I go with the love of the fans and that’s most important. But there is serious work to do to help the team.”
