Higuain gives Real victory over Racing Sunday, February 08, 2009
A clinical finish by Gonzalo Higuain gave Real Madrid a 1-0 home win over Racing Santander on Saturday and a seventh successive Primera Liga victory that trimmed Barcelona's lead to nine points.
Striker Raul, who equalled Alfredo di Stefano's club scoring record of 307 goals last weekend, headed the ball into Higuain's path just after the break.
The Argentine forward raced into the area, turned inside a sliding challenge from Cesar Navas and clipped the ball over Tono into the far corner.
The lively Jonathan Pereira had a chance to level with 15 minutes left but Real keeper Iker Casillas raced out to block the forward's shot and Fabio Cannavaro cleared.
Champions Real have 47 points from 22 matches in second place, nine behind Barca who host Sporting Gijon on Sunday (1800 GMT). Racing stay 10th with 28 points.
"The team put in a big effort tonight," Higuain told reporters. "I am always happy to score and if I do it at home even better."
Real coach Juande Ramos gave new signing Julien Faubert his first start since he joined from West Ham United last month, the French midfielder replacing in-form Dutch winger Arjen Robben with half an hour left.
Ramos said his side's failure to find a second goal had made the players nervous but added he was pleased with another clean sheet, a sixth in seven games.
"We managed to grab another win and that gives the team confidence," he told reporters. "We are not conceding goals and got another three points and that's the important thing."
In Saturday's late match (2100), Sevilla host city rivals Real Betis having lost their last two matches to leave them stuck on 38 points in third spot.
