Sergio Ramos has admitted that Real Madrid found it difficult to break down Espanyol in their 1-0 win over the Barcelona-based outfit on Sunday.

The victory for Los Blancos means that they are now just three points off the top of the La Liga table following Atletico Madrid's goalless draw with Barcelona on Saturday.

"It was a very hard-fought win against Espanyol that made things very tough," he told reporters at a press conference.

"The team responded again. We have gone three matches without conceding and that's important.

"It was a well-deserved win despite the scoreline, which was not a good as it could have been, but it was enough to take the points and put us back up there. Overall, the first half of the League season has gone well."

Ramos had previously been linked with a move away from the Bernabeu, but now looks certain to remain in Madrid.