Real Madrid had dropped form of late; as the Los Blancos got only two points in the last two games in the league. Madrid were also beaten by Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg tie at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Having gone three games without a win, the Los Blancos returned to winning ways against Espanyol, coming from behind to win the tie 3-1.

Nacho believes it’s good to get the winning vibes ahead of facing Barcelona next weekend.

He said: “It was important to win today. We came from a few games where the results weren’t what we wanted.

“This victory gives us confidence to face a very important and very difficult week. We’re looking forward to the upcoming games.”

He went on: “It was a great move, it’s true that I’m not used to making those forays forward, but it came off well and I’m very happy. It was a good win.

“For us right now, every matchday is important. We’re behind with a big deficit and it’s vital that we get every point we can to reduce it. It was very important to win because we know that next weekend is a direct clash. I’m happy with the win and we’ll do our utmost to try and win at the Camp Nou.”