Real Madrid midfielder Angel di Maria has insisted that Saturday's 3-1 win over Espanyol was crucial ahead of next weekend's Champions League final against Atletico Madrid.

The victory in Madrid meant little in terms of the league, but the Argentine has said that it was vital in terms of confidence ahead of the European final in Lisbon.

"We wanted to play a good match, step up to the challenge and show that we were unlucky in the last game. Things didn't come off for us," Inside Spanish Football quotes Di Maria as saying.

"The important thing today was to win, play well and set ourselves up in the best way possible ahead of next Saturday's game."

Madrid will be chasing a 10th European Cup next Saturday.