Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has said that his side were able to beat Real Sociedad at the Anoeta because of their mental strength.

Striker Gonzalo Higuain scored his tenth goal in ten league appearances this season to secure the narrow 1-0 win and send Madrid to the top of the table.

"In the last few minutes, we managed to play with fatigue," Mourinho is quoted as saying in Marca.

"We lost physical freshness in the second half but we won the game with our mind which helped us control the game.

"I changed four players and I am pleased by the response of my team. We have now finished a very difficult month and a very difficult week in which we also beat Malaga and Villarreal."

Madrid, who welcome Osasuna to the Benabeau next weekend, must first travel to France to face Olympique Lyonnais in the Champions League.