Gonzalo Higuain says Real Madrid face "five finals" between now and the end of the season as they bid to fend off the challenge of Barcelona in the race for La Liga's title. Madrid maintained their four-point lead over Barça as they came from behind to defeat Sporting Gijon 3-1 at the Bernabeu last night.

The visitors went into a shock lead after half an hour when Miguel de las Cuevas scored from the penalty spot after Sergio Ramos handled inside the area. Higuain levelled seven minutes later with a header and Cristiano Ronaldo made Madrid's pressure count on 75 minutes when he powered home Angel di Maria's cross to score a record-breaking 41st goal of the campaign.

Roberto Canella was then sent off for the visitors for a second bookable offence and the hosts wrapped up all three points when Mesut Ozil's exquisite through-ball was slotted home by Karim Benzema.

"It was a complicated match," said Argentina striker Higuain. "We knew Sporting would make it difficult for us and that they would defend as best as they possibly could. We worked hard for a victory and we're happy."

Barça's 2-1 win over Levante means Pep Guardiola's side remain in touch with the leaders ahead of the second Clasico encounter of the season at the Nou Camp next weekend, the first and most important of the remaining five matches that will decide the destiny of the title.

Five finals remain and we must win them come what may.
Gonzalo Higuain on Real Madrid's path towards La Liga glory

"Five finals remain and we must win them come what may," Higuain continued. "The league title is at stake and we must remain calm to win every game. That's all we think about."

Last night's strikes by Higuain, Ronaldo and Benzema saw Madrid equal their 107-goal record haul in La Liga, and assistant coach Aitor Karanka used that statistic as ammunition against those who still accuse coach Jose Mourinho of employing defensive tactics. "People say Mourinho has a defensive style, but 107 goals isn't all that bad," said Karanka.

"When things get tougher and people say the team grows anxious, that's when we knew how to find the moment in which to score. That's important. We won another game and took three more points. 

"When things looked worse we managed to find the right moment to score. We elaborate more when we have to. We also know how to finish off efforts quickly.

"We have a fantastic group of players that makes all of us very happy. They deserve to be champions and we must keep up the good work until the end."