Albiol hails potent Real attack

Raul Albiol was blown away by the efficiency of Real Madrid’s front three in a 5-1 hammering of Osasuna on Saturday.

Defender Albiol said it seems as if Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gonzalo Higuain score with every shot they take.

The attacking trio were all on target during Real’s win in Pamplona, as the team took its tally for this season’s La Liga campaign to 100 goals.

Albiol was impressed by just how clinical his colleagues are when an opportunity arises.

“The team was strong from the off,” the centre-half told reporters after the game.

“We scored early in the game, which helped.

“Cristiano, Benzema and Higuain net every shot and their five goals tonight (Saturday) were spectacular.

“It has even greater merit to do so at such a difficult stadium against a team that plays well and pressurises hard.”

Albiol, out of favour for much of the season, was delighted to have been recalled for such Saturday’s La Liga fixture.

And he may have played himself back into regular contention thanks to a performance which drew the praise of coach Jose Mourinho.

“I was very happy about being a starter again,” Albiol said.

“My team-mates helped me a lot and the whole team should be congratulated for the match.

“I’m grateful for the coach’s praise, but the team is what matters. We gave a serious performance and should all be congratulated.

“We must continue to work this way because we’re having a very good season. We knew the match against Osasuna would be one of our harder tests. We’re very happy.”

Real’s next outing comes against APOEL Nicosia in the Champions League quarter-final second leg on Wednesday.

Mourinho’s side led 3-0 from the first leg in Cyprus last week.