Real Madrid 4 - 1 Betis (Spanish League Day 8)

Higuain left for Argentina after scoring a hat-trick against Espanyol. He tallied another against Chile and tonight did so again against Betis. The Argentinean striker is on a roll; his back problems are clearly in the past now.

Higuain scored a hat-trick against Betis

Pepe returned to the starting lineup today. Higuain was a starter again, flanked by Kaka, Ozil and Cristiano in attack. Betis proved not to be afraid of their hosts and put Casillas to the test in the opening 15 minutes. The keeper had to clear a dangerous shot by Ruben Castro (11'). Real gradually started to take control and chances on goal soon followed. Ronaldo narrowly missed a header following a cross from Higuain (21') and two minutes later keeper Casto managed to grab the ball when the Portuguese failed to control a pass by Alonso. Kaka shot on target from inside the box on the 43-minute mark, but the ball missed the top corner of the goal by inches.

The second half had a great start for the Whites. Marcelo served a long pass to Ronaldo, who overtook Chica and assisted Higuain in the team's first goal. Betis suffered a harsh blow and Real capitalised on it. Cristiano entered the box again and assisted Kaka, who scored from an amazing curved shot (56'). The Brazilian was substituted one minute later by Di Maria; he was congratulated by Mourinho and looked immensely happy.

Betis kept trying for a goal and Molina eventually found one in the 68th minute as he took advantage of a clearance. Real Madrid didn't shrink and kept attacking without experiencing much trouble. Di Maria eventually served a long pass to Higuain, who defeated Casto easily and tallied his second goal of the evening. The Whites' efficiency on goal forced Betis to simply give up.

Higuain was yet to score another strike from an amazing effort. Receiving a long pass again from Di Maria, the Argentine controlled the ball beautifully and netted a lobbed shot (72'). Mourinho then allowed Cristiano to rest, making him come off for Altintop. Real therefore impressively won the first of five games they are set to play in the next 15 days.

Summary

Stadium: Santiago Bernabeu
Attendance: 83,000
Goals. 1-0, m. 46: Higuain. 2-0, m. 56: Kaká. 2-1, m. 68: Jorge Molina. 3-1, m. 70: Higuain. 4-1, m. 72: Higuain.