After a blistering start to the season, Real have gone off the rails somewhat in 2008, with seven defeats in 15 matches leading to exits from both the Champions League and Copa del Rey and renewed hope for their fellow Primera Liga title challengers.

That has also led to media speculation about the future of coach Bernd Schuster, but Saturday's 2-1 home win over Espanyol saw Real move eight points clear of Barcelona ahead of Sunday's matches, and will have eased some of the pressure on the stuttering champions.

There is no disguising that fact that Real have lost their way slightly, but Pepe insists that does not mean they are in crisis.

"There is no crisis here. The Champions League match has passed and we have the strength to raise our heads," said Pepe, referring to Wednesday's European exit at the hands of Roma.

"We need to continue working and look ahead because life does not stop. We have to be happy because the squad is united and it is very nice when we all fight together in a game.

"This (against Espanyol) is a very important victory. We kept ahead of second place after a difficult game. We did our job well, we stay in first place and if we continue this way we will win the title at the end."