Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain struck a third hat-trick in four games in their thumping of Real Betis. Higuain hit a treble on his last Primera Division appearance for Madrid, away to Espanyol on October 2, and added another for his country in the World Cup qualifying match against Chile.

Higuain could not prevent Argentina stumbling to a 1-0 defeat against Venezuela on Tuesday, but he was back to full steam against Betis.

He smiled afterwards: "We knew the game would be difficult. Betis had won many matches, but we proved to be in top form despite the league break.

"I'm very happy. I hadn't played in one week, but I feel just like I did before then. The coach will decide if I must be a starter or not. I just play, which is what I must do.

"These hat-tricks are good memories to cherish after retirement. It will also be nice to remember this because it will recall the injury I suffered beforehand and how rough it was on me. I feel better each time. I'm grateful to my teammates an the club because they always supported me during the time I was injured."