Real find league form at last

Real recorded their first La Liga win of the season in fine style against Espanyol as they won 5-1 at the Bernabeu on Saturday evening.

Real were three goals to the good within a blistering first 15 minutes. Zinedine Zidane's drive from the edge of the box gave Real their first, and Roberto Carlos made it two with a hard, low free-kick into the opposite corner.

Espanyol were groggy, and when Luis Figo scored from the spot on 15 minutes they had the proverbial mountain to climb. Beginning to string passes together, the Blanquiazules from Barcelona made some half chances and could have had a penalty when the lively Martin Posse was pushed by Roberto Carlos. Real continued to look dangerous, and Espanyol keeper Alfredo Argenso was forced into making some fine saves.

Despite De Lucas's early goal in the second half, giving Espanyol hope, it was an exhibition by Real. Pedro Munitis almost scored with a brilliant backheel, and Raul Gonzalez rounded off an excellent performance with a clever goal, and a great run in the move that led to Steve McManaman netting the fifth.