Real Madrid defeat Espanyol at home

A 200th league goal from captain Raul Gonzalez helped Real Madrid overcome Espanyol 2-1 on Saturday as they took the first step towards erasing the painful memory of their Champions League exit.

Raul's minute penalty moved Real eight points clear at the top of the Spanish first division.

"Normally you have faith in your players and the team as a whole although it was difficult for us after we went behind," said Real coach Bernd Schuster, who was under pressure after the midweek European exit at the hands of Roma.

"The psychological factor was really important today especially after Wednesday and we showed a lot of character. I didn't see the penalty incident, but they tell me it was [a penalty]," he said.

Three ago Real were dumped out of Europe at their fortress Santiago Bernabeu and there was an air of tension, especially when Real old boy Valdo put Espanyol ahead.

Gonzalo Higuain equalized shortly before halftime and fittingly Raul, who made his Real debut back in 1994, netted the winner to bring up his double century in the league.

It was a 13th goal this season for Raul who is having his best season for years and is only 16 goals behind the club's all-time top-scorer Alfredo Di Stefano.

The result was also a shot in the arm for Schuster, who had to listen to intense speculation about his future following the Roma debacle.

Espanyol, who defeated Real earlier in the season, stay fifth after the loss. Real's city neighbors Atletico Madrid could not capitalize, however, losing 2-1 at Real Zaragoza.

Atletico, who beat Barcelona 4-2 last weekend, went ahead through Portuguese winger Simao. But a Pablo Tebar own-goal and a Diego Milito penalty turned the game on its head.

Atletico fourth but will rue the missed chance to move level on points with third-placed Villarreal.

For new Zaragoza coach Manolo Villanova it was the perfect debut as he bids to lift the club away from the relegation dogfight.

Real Schuster showed his anger with three changes from the starting line-up against Roma with Michael Salgado, Fabio Cannavaro and Fernando Gago making way for Higuain, Miguel Torres and Marcelo.

Real Iker Casillas reached another landmark with his 300th league appearance, having made his debut in 1999.