Three-time World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo has apologised to Cordoba defender Edimar for the kick that saw the Portuguese sent off for the ninth time in his career in Real Madrid’s 2-1 win on Saturday.
“I apologise to everyone and especially to Edimar for my rash act in the game today,” Ronaldo wrote on his official Twitter account.
Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure throughout arguably Madrid’s worst performance of the season as relegation-threatened Cordoba enjoyed the better of the chances.
That frustration bubbled over seven minutes from time when he kicked out at Edimar with the scores at 1-1.
He was bailed out by his teammates as Gareth Bale’s free kick was handled inside the area by Fede Cartabia two minutes from time and, in Ronaldo’s absence, the Welshman took responsibility from the spot as Madrid maintained their advantage over Barcelona at the top of the Primera Liga.
Ronaldo's actions could see him suspended for up to three league games that would be against Real Sociedad, Sevilla and champions Atletico Madrid.
“They are things that happen on the pitch, but we still don’t know what is going to happen,” Bale said on the possible length of Ronaldo’s suspension.
“We have a big squad and the team has played games without him before and done well.”
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti also refused to comment on the incident until he had seen it on television.
“I haven’t seen it yet and I still haven’t spoken with him, so I can’t judge,” the Italian said.
Nabil Ghilas gave Cordoba the lead from the penalty spot with just two minutes played following a handball by Sergio Ramos.
Madrid lacked rhythm and intensity in their link-up play, but Benzema scrambled home an equaliser midway through the first half after Bale flicked on a corner.
Cordoba had looked more likely to win the game, and Florin Andone hit the crossbar after 67 minutes with a lob over Real goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
The win had put Madrid four points clear of Barcelona, but the Catalans then closed the gap to a point with a 6-0 victory away to Elche.
Barcelona had a far more comfortable evening than Madrid once Gerard Pique had chested down Xavi’s free kick to open the scoring 10 minutes before half time.
A slick counter-attack 10 minutes after the break handed the visitors the chance to double their advantage when Neymar was scythed down by Sergio Pelegrin inside the area and, unlike when he missed from the spot against Atletico Madrid in midweek, Lionel Messi confidently slotted home the penalty.
Faycal Fajr was then shown a second yellow card to leave the hosts a man short in the final half-hour.
It showed as Messi teed up Neymar to sweep home the third, and better was to come from the South American duo 19 minutes from time when Messi’s lofted pass was volleyed high into the net by the Brazilian for his 19th goal of the season.
Messi made it 5-0 with a classic left-footed finish into the bottom corner two minutes from time before Neymar squared for Pedro to round off the scoring in stoppage time.
Former coach backs Silva to succeed with Real Madrid
Joining Real Madrid is a dream that has come true for Brazilian Lucas Silva, said his former coach Marcelo Oliveira, who has described the midfielder as a “diamond”.
The talented Silva, who played for Cruzeiro, has agreed a contract until June 2020 for a reported fee of €14 million (Dh57.6m) and will be presented at the Bernabeu on Monday.
Real won the chase to bring in the creative Silva, 21, who is able to dictate play from the middle of the pitch and will be a useful understudy to Toni Kroos this season as he gains first-team experience.
“I have been talking with Lucas and he is very happy as one of his dreams has come true. [Real Madrid coach Carlo] Ancelotti has got a real diamond,” Oliveira, who manages Cruzeiro, told Spanish newspaper As.
“He is a technical player with good vision, he can make precise 30- to 40-metre passes and has a strong shot.
“I have been behind him when he has shot from outside the area, and believe me, he has a lot of potential that can be further exploited. He will push those who are already in his position.
“He will need to adapt now to a new formation, but I am sure he will develop a lot alongside the quality at Real Madrid.”
Real were weakened in midfield with the departure of Xabi Alonso to Bayern Munich ahead of this season, and there has been pressure on Kroos as Ancelotti has used alternatives Sami Khedira and Asier Illarramendi sparingly.
Khedira is in a contractual dispute with Real and is expected to leave at the end of this season, while Illarramendi has failed to progress as predicted following a big-money move from Real Sociedad.
Ancelotti has said publicly that Illarramendi remains an important member of his squad, but he has struggled to impose himself in the midfield when he has had chances.
Silva’s arrival could prompt his departure, with Athletic Bilbao among the favourites to sign the Spaniard.
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