Higuain Gives Real Madrid 1-0 Win Over Racing

Striker Raul headed the ball into Higuain`s path for the only goal just after the break.

A clinical finish by Gonzalo Higuain gave Real Madrid a 1-0 home win over Racing Santander on Saturday and a seventh straight Primera Liga victory that trimmed Barcelona's lead at the top to nine points.

Striker Raul, who equalled Alfredo di Stefano's Real scoring record of 307 goals last weekend, headed the ball into Higuain's path for the only goal just after the break.

The Argentine forward raced into the area, turned inside a sliding challenge from Cesar Navas and clipped the ball over Tono into the far corner at the Bernabeu.

The lively Jonathan Pereira had a chance to level with about 15 minutes left but Real keeper Iker Casillas raced out to block the forward's shot and Fabio Cannavaro was able to clear.

Champions Real have 47 points from 22 matches in second place, nine behind Barca who host Sporting Gijon on Sunday (1800 GMT). Racing stay in 10th spot with 28 points.

In Saturday's late match (2100), third-placed Sevilla host city rivals Real Betis having lost their last two matches to leave them stuck on 38 points in third spot.