Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo (penalty), Gonzalo Higuain and Karim Benzema gave Los Blancos their straight win to send them top of the table.

"All things considered I am coming away satisfied because it’s not easy playing on a potato field, it’s not easy playing every two days and it’s not easy playing an opponent who has nothing to lose," Real boss Mourinho said.

"Putting all those factors together and despite the fact that my team did not play a good match I am satisfied. We have to improve but above all we need to rest."

Apart from the pitch condition, the game witnessed three red cards, given to Real's Pepe and Espanyol duo Ernesto Galan and Juan Forlin.