Kaka promises more after ending barren run

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MADRID, Feb 8, 2010 (AFP) - Real Madrid's Brazilian superstar Kaka believes he is yet to show his best form since his 68.5-million-euro move from AC Milan after scoring for the first time in three months in his side's 3-0 home win over Espanyol on Saturday.

Kaka, 27, was a prolific scorer with AC Milan but has found goals hard to come by since joining Real in the summer with the goal against Espanyol only his fourth league strike of the season and his first since he netted in the 3-2 derby win over Atletico Madrid back on November 7.

Kaka had his season interrupted by five weeks out with a groin injury picked up before Christmas, but the Brazilian international believes he is starting to get match sharpness back.

"I am feeling better and better and you can see that on the pitch," said Kaka. "First of all I had the groin injury that stopped me playing like I wanted to but now I am better and feeling good.

"It is always important to score and, besides helping the team, it gives you confidence."

Kaka scored Real's second goal on 29 minutes following up after Raul's initial shot was saved and could have had another in the second half only to be denied by the post.

"After a month and a half out it is difficult to ask for more (from Kaka)," said Real coach Manuel Pellegrini. "He will get back to his top level soon and is a very important player for us."

Cristiano Ronaldo completed his two-match suspension against Espanyol and Kaka said that while Ronaldo is an important part of the side, Madrid were far from a one-man team.

"Cristiano is a key player but the team can't depend on one player," added the Brazilian. "We are playing better with each game and we want to continue in this vain.

"We can't drop any points and we just have to keep winning and hope Barcelona drop points."

Unbeaten leaders Barcelona stayed five points ahead of Real after beating Getafe 2-0 on Saturday despite playing 65 minutes with ten men.

Along with the form of Kaka, Real were boosted by the return to fitness of Argentine forward Gonzalo Higuain, who made his first appearance after three weeks out with a leg injury.

Higuain scored in the final minute to make it 3-0 with his 12th goal of the season and believes Barca could drop points with some difficult games coming up notably next weekend at Atletico Madrid who beat them 4-3 at the Vicente Calderon last season.

"Last year Barcelona slipped up there (at Atletico Madrid) and dropped points," said Higuain. "Up until now they have not lost a single match but now the tricky games are coming up and we will see what happens."