Real Madrid defender Pepe has called on his teammates to "respect" Juventus's key men when they meet in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The Serie A champions travel to the Santiago Bernabeu for the Group B clash, and Pepe is expecting Juve's quality players to come to the fore.

"We have to respect all of their players," Pepe told Madrid's official website.

"They have key players like Gianluigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo, but I think the most important thing about them is the team as a whole. I hope that we are strong.

"Juve are one of Europe's and Italy's big teams. They have two Champions League titles and great footballers. I hope it is a good match and that the fans enjoy it."

Carlo Ancelotti's side are currently top of the group, with the Italian giants second.

Written by
Paul Gorst