Pepe (foto: Official TW/IG/FB account) Former Real Madrid defender Pepe admitted he still gets nervous before finals, reflecting on his deep connection to Madrid ahead of the Copa del Rey showdown with Barcelona. Even years after leaving Real Madrid, Pepe admits the emotions haven’t faded. The veteran Portuguese defender revealed he still gets nervous ahead of finals, especially when Los Blancos face Barcelona.

Speaking to EFE as the Copa del Rey trophy arrived in Seville by train on Monday, Pepe—who lifted the cup with Madrid in 2011 and 2014—said: “I keep getting nervous in these finals. The feeling for Madrid is very special.” Pepe acted as ambassador for Real Madrid on the symbolic journey, joined by Julio Salinas, representing Barcelona. The trophy will be contested this Saturday in Seville, where the two rivals meet again in a high-stakes El Clásico.

Pepe looked back on the 2011 Copa del Rey final, where Madrid defeated Barça 1–0 with a decisive goal from Cristiano Ronaldo. “Anyone who has been at Madrid knows what it’s like. Watching your team in a final, especially against Barcelona, makes it even more emotional,” he added.

The former Portuguese international shared how he handled nerves as a player: “I would sleep well the nights before, but as the match got closer, the nerves kicked in. Once warm-up started, they’d disappear.” Preparation, Pepe said, was key. “I always studied my opponents carefully—the starting strikers, but also the ones likely to come on later.

I’d take deep breaths and treat the match as if it were my last,” he said. Now at 41, Pepe continues to play professionally in Portugal, but his heart clearly still beats for Real Madrid. His words reflect the passion and pressure that still defines El Clásico—even for those no longer on the pitch.