Esteban Granero was a happy man after his first goal for Real Madrid set Los Merengues on their way to a 3-0 win at Espanyol.

The midfielder, who came through the Madrid youth system but has spent the last two seasons at Getafe, slotted home a clinical angled drive following a neat one-two with Kaka.

Further goals from Guti and Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a comfortable win for Manuel Pellegrini's side.

"I am very pleased with the victory," Granero told Marca.

"An away game is always difficult, especially against a team with great players like Espanyol, and on a pitch that does not suit us.

"We were professional throughout, and took advantage of our chances to claim an important victory.

"This is Real Madrid, and you must be a very good footballer to form part of the squad.

"It is good to prove that the reserves can perform. We know that we have to dominate the midfield to continue winning."

Espanyol had been determined to turn the match it into a tribute to their former captain Dani Jarque, who died of a heart attack last month, something Granero, who dedicated his goal to Jarque, was acutely aware of.

"We were all affected on the day we lost him," he said.

"We wanted to show our respect to the fans, the opposition, and, most importantly, his family, because it could have happened to anyone."