Real Madrid defender Pepe was AXED for victory over Malaga last night. Pepe featured on the weekend against Real Valladolid, but was missing for the 6-2 win over Malaga just days after criticising coach Jose Mourinho.

Real No2 Aitor Karanka said: "The matches and performances that (Raphael) Varane is having are being seen by everyone.

"Before you were all out for Pepe saying that he was not a Real Madrid player and now you are all defending him.

"I know the type of player that Pepe is and I still think the same of him."