Real Madrid coach Capello: Fans so important in this victory

Gonzalo Higuain came good for Real Madrid last night as he struck late on to crown a magnificent comeback against Espanyol at a rocking Santiago Bernabeu.

Madrid looked in all sorts of trouble as Walter Pandiani's first-half hat-trick put UEFA Cup finalists Espanyol 3-1 up at half-time at a stunned Bernabeu.

But the hosts mounted a second-half onslaught on the Espanyol goal, scoring twice in quick succession before winter signing Higuain claimed the headlines - and the points - by slotting home only his second goal for the Spanish giants in the 89th minute.

That strike was enough to send Madrid to the top of the standings, although Barcelona can reclaim that position if they beat Real Betis today.

Real coach Fabio Capello beamed afterwards: "I am pleased because I like the character of my team, the desire to fight back. Today they have achieved because the opposition was a very good team. With three spectacular goals they made it very difficult for us."

"At this moment we are convinced we can beat everyone, but always there exists the opposition and things can work against you. The euphoria always has been a good thing, but without hard work it is nothing. Each game is a final, we cannot drop points because Barcelona is ahead and, staying calm, we must recognise what we need to do to finish top."

"To overcome such a difficult game as the one today was not easy nor usual. What I liked a lot was the fans, they helped and pushed us. They've been very important for us."