Gonzalo Higuain was delighted with his late strike for Real Madrid in last night's 2-0 defeat of Recreativo Huelva.

The Argentine said at the final whistle: "I am very happy for me and all my teammates. That goal was important to decide the game. It is important to learn how to play when you're struggling. No game is going to be easy.

"I am happy to have already scored more goals than last season."

Meanwhile, Real teammate Marcelo added: "I just pleased to be playing regularly. I am grateful to coach (Bernd) Schuster for being bold and backing me. I do not want to let him down."