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Cristiano Ronaldo will serve a three-game ban following his red card during Real Madrid's recent 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao, as reported by AS:
Cristiano has been handed a 1 match ban for violent conduct and 2 for disrespecting the match officials.- AS English (@English_AS) February 5, 2014
The Spanish football association provided their verdict after an incident that could severely impact Los Blancos' chances of capturing this season's La Liga title.
Ronaldo, who appeared to slap Bilbao's Ander Iturraspe during the hard-fought affair on Feb. 2, may have been further punished for his offensive gesture after the card was shown, per Goal.com.
Atletico Madrid fans shouldn't celebrate too readily. Ronaldo is free to play in both legs of the upcoming Copa Del Rey semi-final between the two sides, as noted by ESPN:
Ronaldo clear to play Copa del Rey derby against Atletico after ban set to just La Liga: http://t.co/uOdBd6Emrq http://ift.tt/1isI4py ESPN.co.uk (@ESPNUK) February 5, 2014
Instead of missing vital cup matches, Real will have to make do without their superstar for La Liga games against Villarreal (H), Elche (H) and Getafe (A).
Carlo Ancelotti's men have barely set the world on fire in recent weeks from an attacking sense-scoring five goals in four games, compared to five in one before that, per WhoScored.com -but will be confident of overcoming their imminent schedule without Ronaldo in the team.
The 2013 Ballon d'Or winner certainly didn't receive any favours from the Spanish board, who revealed Ronaldo's suspension on his birthday:
Happy birthday to @Cristiano Ronaldo who turns 29 years old today! #halamadrid http://ift.tt/1kbYzKu - Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) February 5, 2014
Ronaldo has scored 22 goals and provided six assists in 21 appearances this campaign, recorded by WhoScored.com. His most recent sending off was the eighth of his career, ending Real's eight-match unbeaten run in the process.
Andres Kudacki/Associated Press
have confirmed the club will appeal Ronaldo's ban, a decision amplified by Ancelotti's reaction to his player's dismissal:
: "Ronaldo's red card was a harsh decision." - Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) February 4, 2014
Real need their matchwinners at this stage of the season and will be anxious to overturn such a hefty punishment.
The club currently linger three points behind Atletico at the top of La Liga and remain locked with Barcelona on 54 points. There is little room for things to go wrong, suggesting Ronaldo's presence is of key importance if they are to gain the Spanish crown.
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