Real Madrid 1 - 0 Racing Santander "Goal Higuain"


Real Madrid had Gonzalo Higuain's 49th minute winner to thank for a 1-0 win over Racing Santander on Saturday but the Spanish giants' seventh successive league win did little to appease the woes of their fans.

Argentine Higuain netted the decisive goal shortly after the restart and Real were made to sweat for the remainder as they awaited the final whistle at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The reigning champions held on to close to within nine points of runaway leaders Barcelona, but another 1-0 win - an emerging habit under new coach Juande Ramos - could not stop the jeers, or fans heading for the exits early.

The grumbling is likely to grow louder in Madrid if a 10th successive league win for Barcelona, who host Sporting Gijon on Sunday, restores their advantage over Real to 12 points.

Iker Casillas made history making his 454th appearance to equal Paco Buya's club record in the Real goal and he had little to do as Real controlled proceedings without making the breakthrough.
Pepe cynically pushed Perreira to the floor before Gabriel Heinze and Fabio Cannavaro hacked the grounded striker.

The referee waved play on and livid Racing players encircled Heinze while words were also exchanged as both sets of players trudged off at half-time.

Racing then conceded four minutes into the second half with Higuain cutting inside before finishing with aplomb.

The Argentine should have scored again shortly afterwards but custodian Antonio Martinez somehow saved the shot with an oustretched foot.

Real's new French signing Julien Faubert, recruited on loan from West Ham, made his debut just after the hour mark coming on for Arjen Robben who seemed less than happy about the decision.

Racing went close to equalising and Cannavaro had to clear off the goal line to prevent an own goal from Pepe.

Nicola Zigic headed over a great chance for Racing and angry Real fans flocked out of the turnstiles with several minutes remaining.