Ronaldo completes ban

Ronaldo completed his ban, watching his second match from the sidelines, and freeing himself up for the games next weekend. He will have been in a good mood after the game, with Real prevailing easily against Espanyol.

Four minutes into the game, Granero took a free-kick from one of the sides and Ramos notched in a header.

Espanyol were well positioned and tried to fight back by keeping possession, but Real Madrid soon took over. Raul had a header on the goal-line and Kameni managed to miraculously clear it, but the ball landed at Kaka's feet and the Brazilian netted the second goal for the Whites in a near-acrobatic way.

Benzema was replaced by Higuain, who netted the third strike following a magnificent control of a long pass and dribbling past Kameni's right and then turning left before flicking the ball into the back of the net.