"The secret of the team's success is easy - unity and hard work," said the England captain.

Real Madrid are now unbeaten in nine games in all competitions since 2006 began and the Spanish giants have rattled off four straight wins in the league.

"We're playing well under Lopez Caro and our confidence is growing.

"I'm pleased with my personal performance but particularly with the way the team played overall," said Beckham after Saturday's crushing 4-0 win over Espanyol.

"The victory is important because it allows us to continue our good run, but for me, the most important aspect is that the team is showing the right mentality with all the players working hard for each other," added Beckham.

"We have an excellent team, we're working well and we have an obligation to continue improving - then we'll see what happens about the title race."

Beckham's display of inch-perfect passes which frequently disected the Barcelona-based side had the home fans roaring their approval.

"The fans are behind us again. It's fantastic to see the Bernabeu like that."