Soccer-Ronaldo inspires Real to 3-0 win over Espanyol

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a penalty and created a goal for Gonzalo Higuain to lift Real Madrid to a 3-0 home La Liga win over Espanyol as three players were sent off on Tuesday.
Espanyol's solid start at the Bernabeu was spoiled just before the half hour when Luis Garcia handled a Ronaldo free kick in the wall and the referee pointed to the spot.
The Portuguese forward scored with his first attempt but was ordered to retake for what appeared to be encroachment into the area. He made no mistake second time around for his first goal of the season.
Both sides were reduced to 10 men with around half an hour remaining when Real central defender Pepe picked up two yellow cards in quick succession and Ernesto Galan was shown a straight red after felling Ronaldo.
The game opened up and both teams had chances before Ronaldo released Higuain with a fine through ball and the Argentina striker beat Espanyol goalkeeper Carlos Kameni with a powerful low shot.
France striker Karim Benzema replaced Higuain and made it 3-0 with almost his first touch, hooking the ball into the net from inside the area.
Espanyol defender Juan Forlin was dismissed late on after picking up a second yellow, apparently for dissent.
Athletic Bilbao beat Real Mallorca 3-0 and Osasuna defeated Real Sociedad 3-1 in the evening's other matches.