Real Madrid defender Pepe has praised Villarreal following Sunday's 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu.

Cristiano Ronaldo sent the capital outfit ahead from the penalty spot early in the second period, but Gerard Moreno responded for the Yellow Submarine.

"We fought and we came up against a very good team; we have to keep fighting. We're still top and we have to keep working until the end of the season," Pepe told reporters after the match.

Real Madrid remain top of La Liga, two points clear of second-placed Barcelona and seven clear of third-placed and reigning champions Atletico Madrid.