Michael Owen hailed his best week so far at Real Madrid after scoring his third goal in as many games in Tuesday's 2-1 King's Cup victory over third division Leganes.
"It's been a great week as I've scored in every competition and this is certainly the best moment since I've arrived," said the England striker, who played the full 90 minutes for the first time since joining Real in the close season.
"I couldn't be happier as I felt good and got another goal."
In the absence of leading players Ronaldo, Raul, Zinedine Zidane, Luis Figo and David Beckham, the task of inspiring the team fell to Owen and fellow striker Fernando Morientes who combined to score both of their team's goals.
Morientes, making his first start of the season, opened the scoring when he poked home on the rebound after a snap volley from Owen on 19 minutes and the Englishman made it 2-0 early in the second half.
"We had a good understanding and showed we could play together and he provided me with a great pass," said the former Liverpool player.
Owen opened his account for Real last week in his seventh appearance when he turned in a low cross from Ronaldo to score the only goal in their 1-0 victory over Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League.
He retained his place in the starting line-up for Saturday's league match against champions Valencia and scored the winner once again.
Coach Mariano Garcia Remon, who earlier this season made it clear that Raul and Ronaldo were his first-choice strikers, said he was delighted with Owen's form.
"He's on a scoring run and is making the most of his opportunities. I wasn't going to play him for the full 90 minutes, but we needed him because Leganes were putting us under a lot of pressure at the end."
© 2024 Rediff.com -