Real close on knock-out spot

Real celebrate Higuain's opener against FC Zurich

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Gonzalo Higuain continued his hot streak in front of goal as Real Madrid edged closer to the knock-out stages of the UEFA Champions League with victory over FC Zurich.

Higuain's seventh goal of the season midway through the first half proved the difference at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night as the Spanish giants strolled to their third successive 1-0 victory in all competitions.

More goals were expected in the Spanish capital, but the hosts were never troubled by their Swiss opponents and should have added more to their tally had some of their charges had their shooting boots on.

The win moved Real up to top of Group C after Milan played out a 1-1 draw with Marseille at the San Siro, so Manuel Pellegrini's side must avoid defeat in their trip to France in order to qualify for the last 16 stage, while Zurich's interest in the tournament came to an end.

Cristiano Ronaldo was back in the Real squad after five weeks out with an ankle injury, but the world's most expensive player had to settle for a place on the bench.

Higuain continued to keep summer signing Karim Benzema on the sidelines as he looked to continue his rich vein in front of goal and the Argentine forward would repay boss Pellegrini's faith with a virtuoso performance.

Intent

Prior to the goal the hosts signalled their intent with Kaka forcing Zurich goalkeeper Johnny Leoni to divert their powerful long-range effort away from danger.

Zurich packed the midfield and were trying to stifle Real's attack, but the Swiss champions' resistance was broken in the 21st minute when Kaka worked his magic.

The Brazilian ace won the ball 25 yards from the visitors' goal and he slipped in Higuain with an intelligent through-ball and the 21-year-old made no mistake as he comfortably slotted the ball past Leoni to score his second goal in the competition.

Xabi Alonso's search for his first goal in Real white grew warmer as his long-distance drive nearly got the better of Leoni, until he managed to successfully block the Spanish midfielder's blast on his 28th birthday.

Higuain, who was central to the majority of Real's attacking play, clipped in a pinpoint cross to Marcelo from a 35th minute corner and the Brazilian wide-man was unlucky to see his fantastic volley cannon off the post.

Second-gear

With Sunday's El Clasico against arch-rivals Barcelona just around the corner, it came as no surprise that Real failed to get out of second gear in the second half.

Zurich offered little in attack bar the odd flash of quality by forward Alexandre Alphonse, and referee Alain Hamer was called upon to get his book out to brandish yellow cards to Heinz Barmettler and Lassana Diarra.

Pellegrini sensed Real needed to snap out of their lethargic play and he opted to utilise his star-studded bench by bringing on Rafael Van der Vaart on the hour mark before Ronaldo appeared 10 minutes later.

Van der Vaart looked bright in a rare Champions League outing and he went close to adding a second in the 66th minute when he attempted to half-volley Marcelo's cross from the edge of the area, but his shot was tame and Leoni gathered easily.

Van der Vaart then squandered a gilt-edged chance a minute before time before Ronaldo failed to add his fifth Champions League goal when he was thwarted by Leoni who palmed his left-footed shot wide.

Zurich tried to threaten an equaliser in the dying moments, but Real withstood the late surge and will now travel to Velodrome in gameweek six where they will qualify for the next phase of the Champions League should they avoid defeat to third-placed Marseille.