Mourinho happy with strike force

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho says he enjoys having Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema at his disposal after their 4-1 win over Real Betis.

It was Higuain who put in a man-of-the-match performance against Betis, hitting a hat-trick in the La Liga clash on Saturday.

Benzema, who is nursing a muscle complaint, earned a place on the bench but was an unused substitute in the win.

Mourinho said it was a good problem to have as his team continue trying to catch league leaders Barcelona, who are a point clear at the top.

“In football it is difficult for someone to leave a player out for five or six straight games,” he said.

“Benzema started the season very well and Higuain not so much because he missed pre-season, but now Higuain is back in form and it’s lucky for the team to have the two.”

“Benzema was on the bench in case there were difficulties and had to come on. He could have played if the game remained at 0-0, but there was no reason to risk him as we had no problems with the score, and he will train tomorrow and on Monday.”

“I know that many people will say, from now until Wednesday or Saturday, to have two strikers in good shape is a problem, but I think anything but that. The problem is to have only one or none.”

Higuain’s treble took his goal tally for the league season to eight, while Benzema has scored three times in five games.

Real Madrid host Lyon in the Champions League on Tuesday before travelling to take on Malaga on Saturday.