Cristiano Ronaldo recieved a red card in controversial fashion on Sunday evening as Real Madrid struggled to a 1-1 draw in their La Liga fixture against Athletic Bilbao.
The winger recieved his marching orders in a feisty 1-1 draw in the Basque Country, as Madrid dropped points in the three horse race to the La Liga title.
The timing of the unfortunate incident is also untimely, asReal’s City rivals Atleico went top of the table after a pulsating 4-0 home win against Real Sociedad at the Vicente Caldaron, as David Villa inspired his side to victory.
The Portuguese winger was sent off after 75 minutes, after reacting to a shove from Bilbao player Carlos Gurpedi, before confronting defensive midfielder Ander Iturraspe, who appeared to strike Ronaldo, with what appeared to be a fiesty coming together, but in all honesty, was play acting on behalf of the Basque club.
Real were forced to hold on in the game, having previously taken the lead through winger Jese, who is in for the injured Gareth Bale.
Ronaldo may see a three game ban come his way, which will surely change the land scape of the intese title race.
The sending off comes as another blow to Ancelotti’s men, with World record signing Gareth Bale already out injured.
These two dropped points left them three points behind Atlético and level with Barcelona.
By Ben Reardon
@BenReardon1