Higuain savours Espanyol rout

Posted Monday, March 05, 2012 by ESPN

Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain has hailed the club's 5-0 win over Espanyol on Sunday as an important step in their quest to win La Liga.

Higuain scored twice in the victory which allowed Madrid to restore their 10 point lead at the top of the table ahead of defending champions Barcelona, who are in second.

"Goals always help one, but helping the team is what matters," Higuain told the club's website.

"We're happy and should enjoy these moments because they come in short supply.

"It was important to win so as to keep our ten-point lead. We earned a good victory and we're happy for that.

"We must focus on each game at a time and continue to achieve our objectives.

"I was never anxious. I always knew I'd have my chance to score. Strikers have positive and negative streaks. I've been here five years and I know what Real Madrid is. There's always chances to score and I knew I would net goals sooner or later.

"I'm very happy. I needed the crowds affection and I got it when I came off."

Madrid cruised to their 5-0 victory over Espanyol courtesy of the brace from Higuain as well as goals from Cristiano Ronaldo, Sami Khedira and Kaka.

The match also marked Higuain's 150th La Liga match with Real while his two goals scored on Sunday brought his total tally up to 16 strikes this season.

The club's website notes that the Argentinean has won 109 games and scored 85 goals in the championship, winning the title in 2007 and 2008.

He has scored nine goals against Espanyol during his career.