Real Madrid's 3-0 home win against Espanyol meant that the top three sides in Spain's Primera Liga all won their respective games on Saturday night.

Real kicked off its game knowing that a defeat would leave the club eight points behind league leaders FC Barcelona.

Espanyol proved to be no rival however. The Barcelona based club has always been seen as close to Real Madrid and that friendship seemed to stretch to the pitch as Sergio Ramos was allowed to head his side ahead after just five minutes.

Kaka added a second goal after half an hour and Gonzalo Higuain marked his return to action following injury with a goal in the last minute to seal his side's comfortable and expected win.

Barcelona meanwhile ended up with nine men on the pitch, but still had the quality to beat a good Getafe team 2-1

Leo Messi opened the scoring for Barcelona after just six minutes with a curling shot from the edge of the Getafe penalty area.

He then missed two golden opportunities to score before the midpoint of the first half.

Barcelona was reduced to 10 men after 25 minutes after Gerard Pique was sent off for a wild challenge on Getafe defender Rafa

Xavi added a second goal after 66 minutes following a great run from Messi, but Getafe added a late penalty from Roberto Soldado after Marquez brought down Kepa in virtually the last move of the match.

Third placed Valencia had kicked off the day with a straightforward 2-0 win at home to Valladolid.

First half goals from Ever Banega and David Villa was all it took for the third placed side to take all three points and spoil Onesimo Sanchez's debut as Valladolid coach.

Valencia would have won by more goals had it not been for an impressive display from visiting keeper Justo Villar.