Higuain and Gago breath new life into Real Madrid

Real Madrid's new Argentine youngsters Gonzalo Higuain and Fernando Gago have quickly made a favourable impression in the Spanish capital.

"The nursery, led by Gago and Higuain, convinced the Bernabeu and helped Real catch Barcelona," Monday's sports daily Marca said on the front page after Sunday's 1-0 win over Real Zaragoza. "Gago and Higuain led a team that ran itself into the ground," said sports daily AS.

Striker Higuain, who joined from River Plate last month for an estimated fee of $17 million, laid on the only goal for Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy just before the break.

"I am delighted to win my first game in the Bernabeu and it is very important we continue on the same line," the 19-year-old said.

"With this spirit it is very difficult to see anyone beating us."

After three defeats in four league games, and a turbulent week dominated by David Beckham's decision to leave the club and his subsequent dropping from the side, the focus had been on how a relatively young team would react against Zaragoza.

Along with Higuain, compatriot Gago was also a standout player in midfield as Real put in a determined display full of bite, something that had been missing in their recent defeats.

"I am pleased with the result but above all for the performance of the team. We showed a great attitude and were very keen to win," the 20-year-old said.

"I felt comfortable on the pitch and day by day am gaining more confidence. There is still a long way to go in the league and we want continue fighting to finish as high as possible." Gago signed from Boca Juniors for a fee of $27 million last month.

Real climbed to third, level on 35 points with second-placed Barcelona, who have a game in hand. They are now just two points short of leaders Sevilla, who along with Barca lost on the weekend.