Pepe doubtful for Galatasaray clash

Cristiano Ronaldo

Real Madrid defender Pepe is doubtful for Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg at Galatasaray when Jose Mourinho’s side are hoping to avoid “any unpleasant outcomes” after their 3-0 win in the first match.

Raul Albiol is on hand to partner Raphael Varane if Portugal’s Pepe fails to recover from injury with fellow centre back Sergio Ramos suspended.

“Pepe suffered a muscle injury during the Levante game and we will know tomorrow for sure if he will be on the pitch or not,” Mourinho told a news conference in Istanbul on Monday.

“But my team is made up of good players and Albiol will play in his position if Pepe can’t. I am confident that all players in my squad are capable.”

Real romped to a 5-1 victory at home to mid-table Levante in La Liga on Saturday as Mourinho left several top performers, including forward Cristiano Ronaldo, out of his starting lineup. Ronaldo still scored as a substitute.

Despite their good form and healthy first-leg lead, Mourinho has cautioned his players against complacency.

“There have been examples of teams losing the second leg 3-0 after a 3-0 victory in the first game so I warned my players to be careful … to avoid any unpleasant outcomes,” Mourinho said.

“During the meeting today we also discussed different attacking tactics as Galatasaray had switched from a four-man defence to three in the first game.”