Real Madrid eased to a comfortable victory over struggling Espanyol last night.

First-half goals from Sergio Ramos and Kaka put Madrid in control, and substitute Gonzalo Higuain added a brilliant third late on as Manuel Pellegrini's men made it 11 out of 11 at the Bernabeu.

For the third successive week Madrid were playing after Barca had taken advantage of an earlier kick-off by going eight points clear at the summit, Pep Guardiola's men beating Getafe 2-1 this evening. Real coach Manuel Pellegrini said: "We have eleven wins at home. In that respect, we are satisfied. There are still seventeen league games left.

"We will see what happens. The future cannot be predicted.

"Barcelona are on top on merit."

Pellegrini added: "We had a great first half. We tested Kameni on several occasions. We were playing a team that does not concede easily.

"In the second half, we were less mobile than in the first.

"But we had two chances, and scored a goal."