Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain reveals Jose Mourinho's half-time dressing down inspired Malaga comeback

Posted Thursday, January 05, 2012 by Goal.com

The Argentine forward explained that the Portuguese let rip at his players after seeing them fall two goals behind in the opening 45 minutes of the game at the Santiago Bernabeu

Copa del Rey: Real Madrid-Málaga: Karim Benzemay Gonzalo Higuain

Gonzalo Higuain has revealed that some strong words during the interval from coach Jose Mourinho were responsible for Real Madrid’s stirring second-half comeback against Malaga on Tuesday night.

The Copa del Rey holders found themselves 2-0 down at the break in the first leg of their last 16 clash at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Sergio Sanchez and Martin Demichelis both having netted for the visitors.

However, Madrid came storming back and recorded a thrilling 3-2 win courtesy of goals from Sami Khedira, Higuain and Karim Benzema.

"The truth is that we had an obligation to clean up a bit what we did in the first half,” the Argentine forward told Marca.

“We went out in the second half with greater desire, and winning was so important.”

Indeed, while Higuain admitted that the concession of two first-half goals was a cause for concern, the former River Plate striker was keen to focus on the positives.

"Sure, we have to draw conclusions [from the performance in the opening 45 minutes], although we are happy with the win and pleased by the reaction [after half-time]," the reported Chelsea target added.

If Madrid progress past Malaga, they could meet Barcelona in the quarter-finals, with their rivals set to host Osasuna at Camp Nou on Wednesday night.