Ice-cool Gonzalo Higuain was delighted to hit Real Madrid's winner from the spot in last night's dramatic 2-1 victory at Atletico Madrid.

The Argentine striker said: "I take huge joy from scoring the final goal and in the victory because we were beginning to think the game was getting away from us.

"It's very nice to win at the home of an eternal rival and I think we played a great match. We gave 100 per cent and were the better team."

Pepe, regarded as best afield for Real, insisted they deserved the victory.

The defender said: "It would have been quite unfair if in the end we had drawn and that's why we chased for the second immediately after the goal from Simao.

"The goal from Higuain was a prize for both the team and for our fans, we deserved it."