Sunday’s surprise 1-1 draw away to Real Betis in La Liga saw Real Madrid fall further behind in the race for the title.
Los Blancos needed a controversial equalizer from French striker Karim Benzema to come away with a point after falling behind to the home side courtesy of a 7th minute wonder opening goal from Alvaro Cejudo.
The draw leaves Zinedine Zidane’s crew 4 points behind neighbors Atletico Madrid and leaders Barcelona, who have a game in hand, leaving defender Pepe dejected over Les Merengues’ title hopes.
According to the Portuguese center-back, clinching the title is now a tough task after the weekend result, but insists that the 10-time Champions League winners will give it their all until the final day,
"It's going to be tough. The league is complicated," said Pepe.
"We have to keep working hard and fighting. We deserved to win today, but the opponents played their part too and they must be given credit."
However, Pepe remains adament that Betis had luck on their side in the 1-1 draw, saying:
"We wanted to win. Betis' goal was a wonder strike, but it was very fortunate. We tried to turn it around. We pinned them back in the second half but we could only find an equaliser.
"They only scored once, which was lucky.
"We made a good start to the game, coming out with intensity, and they didn't create any chances. We worked hard but were unlucky."
