Cristiano Ronaldo Cristmas

Cristiano Ronaldo Cristmas

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.