Kaka scored his first league goal in three months as Real Madrid closed back to within five points of pacesetters Barcelona at the top of the Spanish top-flight with a comfortable 3-0 home win over Espanyol.

Barcelona had gone eight points clear with a 2-0 home win over Getafe earlier on Saturday, despite playing over an hour of the game with ten men, so the pressure was on Real and they responded with an 11th consecutive home victory.

Real were without Cristiano Ronaldo, completing his two-match ban, but didn't need the Portuguese star as goals from Sergio Ramos, Kaka and Gonzalo Higuain sealed an easy win.

Madrid got off to a great start when Ramos headed in Esteban Granero's cross after just five minutes.

Kaka netted a second on 29 minutes after captain Raul, back in the starting line-up, saw his initial effort saved.

Kaka was all smiles after ending a run of seven league games without a goal and this was his first goal since he netted in the 3-2 derby win over Atletico Madrid back on November 7.

"It was nice for me to score after so many games," said Kaka. "I am coming back from injury and just finding my best form.

"Barcelona are doing well at the moment and not dropping points but we just have to continue winning our games."

Kaka almost scored again in the second half when he rattled the post.

Argentine Higuain made his Real first appearance following a three week lay-off and came off the bench to score in the final minute to make it 3-0.

Leaders Barcelona had to show the spirit of champions to beat Getafe 2-1 at Camp Nou despite the handicap of playing 65 minutes with ten men after Gerard Pique was sent off for a late lunge.

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