The Portuguese superstar was booked for diving in the 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, and subsequently suspended for Real Madrid's next game.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was unable to conceal his disappointment in Mario Melero López, the match official for the 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, blasting the referee for his decision to book Cristiano Ronaldo.

Los Blancos traveled to Estadio de Vallecas on Wednesday to lock horns with La Liga's ninth-placed team, securing a vital win to maintain pressure on leaders Barcelona in the title race.

The victory came courtesy of a 68th minute Cristiano Ronaldo header and a 74th minute goal by Colombian attacker James Rodriguez, with the Portuguese ace's strike being his 300th for Los Blancos.

However, a sour point for the former Manchester United man in the game came early on in the second half. Five minutes after play resumed, the three-time Ballon d'Or winner was brought down in Rayo Vallecano's penalty box, leading to calls for a spot kick.

The referee, on the other hand, saw things differently and decided on instead handing Cristiano a yellow card, much to the frustrations of the Real Madrid players and boss, rejecting appeals for a penalty. The booking means Ronaldo joins Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez on the suspended list for Real Madrid's next game, a home clash with Eibar.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid, Rayo Vallecano, La Liga

Ancelotti, who admitted to having a conversation with the referee after the game regarding his decision, hailed his call as “unbelievable”, saying

"I told the referee that I thought it was unbelievable not to give a penalty when he instead called it the other way," the Italian said of the yellow card, which rules Ronaldo out of Madrid's next match.”

Eibar sit 14th in the standings, and given Real Madrid's highly-anticipated Champions League clash with city rivals Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, Ronaldo as well as the whole team could stand to benefit from the one day rest.