Higuaín backs Madrid to finish the job

Gonzalo Higuaín hopes Real Madrid CF can find their scoring form when four-time European champions AFC Ajax visit the Santiago Bernabéu in UEFA Champions League Group G.

Los Merengues have found the target just once in their opening two Liga games this season with defender Ricardo Carvalho registering in Saturday's 1-0 victory against CA Osasuna. By contrast, Martin Jol's side have struck 23 times in ten outings in all competitions this term, a comparison Higuaín believes to be unfair.

"We only started our campaign recently and we will continue getting better," the 22-year-old said. "Against Ajax hopefully we'll be able to put away all of the chances that have been coming our way recently."

'El Pipita' has become a regular feature up front for Madrid since signing from CA River Plate in 2007. The Argentinian international struck 29 goals in 40 club appearances in 2009/10 and remains certain that – with the help of his attacking team-mates – it will not take long before he finds the target this term.

"The other day we played with three up front and we felt comfortable together because each one can switch around," he continued. "We are creating a lot; that's the important thing and it's the reason we're not worried. We just need to continue to play to the best of our ability."

Charged with the task of getting the nine-time European champions past the last 16 for the first time in six years, new coach José Mourinho might have hoped for an easier task than to be drawn with Ajax, AC Milan and AJ Auxerre in the group stage, yet Higuaín is confident the right man is in place to steer the team through.

"Mourinho is a great coach and his experience in this tournament will be crucial for us," the striker said. "Hopefully together we can put Madrid back where they belong. The Champions League is a huge challenge for us and although there's a long road ahead, we're going to do our very best to get to the final at Wembley."