Higuain thrilled with Real landmark

Gonzalo Higuain was overjoyed after becoming Real Madrid’s latest goal-scoring centurion in Saturday’s 5-1 La Liga rout of Osasuna.

The Argentina international scored his 100th and 101st goals for Real in a straightforward victory in Pamplona.

Speaking afterwards, he was keen to express his gratitude to coach Jose Mourinho, who started him upfront alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.

“The coach had faith in me again and I managed to respond,” Higuain told the club’s website.

“I’m happy for the victory and with tallying 101 goals for this club. It makes me proud and incredibly happy.”

Higuain was quick to acknowledge the importance of Real’s victory, which keeps them six points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga.

“We have a great lead in the championship and we must keep up the good work till the end of the season,” he said.

“There are eight games left and we’re calm about the prospect of winning the title we all want.

“We’re all in good form and we always try to do our best on the pitch. We are very happy with our performance.”

Higuain singled out Raul Albiol for special praise, after the defender excelled in a rare first-team outing.

“I would especially like to mention (Raul) Albiol, who did great tonight (Saturday),” he said.

Real now turn their attention to a Champions League quarter-final second leg at home to APOEL Nicosia on Wednesday.

Mourinho’s men led the tie 3-0 on aggregate following their comprehensive victory in Cyprus last week.