Michael Essien insists Real Madrid will challenge for the title this season. Essien is on-loan at Real from Chelsea.

"We are talking about Real Madrid, the greatest club in the world. Every player would want to be here. I'm just Michael Essien and eventually I hope everyone will know me here," he said.

"It was a difficult start, but sometimes you see yourself in this situation. We have won two straight games and hopefully we can extend the streak it to three.

"Every game is important, and we need to earn the right to get more points and fight for the title."