The first chance of the match fell to the hosts after just five minutes when Christian Stuani latched onto a low cross from Victor Sanchez, but his header dropped just wide of the post.

Real Madrid's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo vies with Espanyol's goalkeeper K. Casilla during the Spanish league football match on January 12, 2014 © Getty Images

Madrid had a good opening of their own shortly afterwards as Angel di Maria picked out Karim Benzema, who could only hook his shot just wide of the mark.

Benzema was involved in another chance for the visitors shortly afterwards when he rolled the ball into the path of Cristiano Ronaldo, but the striker sliced his shot wide when he should have scored.

Madrid launched a quick counter right on the stroke of half time as they looked to take a lead into the break, but Di Maria's inviting cross was not met by a teammate despite a four-on-two situation.

The deadlock was finally broken 10 minutes after the restart when Xabi Alonso's free kick was met by Pepe, who powered his header into the bottom corner to give Madrid the lead.

Pepe of Real Madrid CF scores the opening goal during the La Liga match between RCD Espanyol and Real Madrid CF at Cornella-El Prat Stadium on January 12, 2014 © Getty Images

It could have been 2-0 in the 67th minute. Alonso found Ronaldo this time, but the in-form striker dragged his effort wide of the post.

Ronaldo again missed a good opportunity with just six minutes remaining as Kiko Casilla produced a fine save to push his stinging drive over the top, while he also put a rebound wide late on having reacted quickest to a spill by the Espanyol keeper.