Referee report could see Ronaldo ban reduced

The Portuguese star kicked and slapped Cordoba defender Edimar, but the official's report makes no reference to any violent conduct

Cristiano Ronaldo may be set to avoid a lengthy ban after being sent off in Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Cordoba.

The Portuguese star slapped and kicked out at defender Edimar in a frustrating afternoon and was quickly dismissed.

With eight minutes left on the clock and the game tied at 1-1, the red card came as a massive blow to his side, but he was lucky to see Gareth Bale step up late in the game to steal the win with a penalty.

The Real Madrid talisman would be expected to miss the next three games for violent conduct, meaning he would be ruled out of the derby with Atletico Madrid.

However, Marca report that referee Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez did not refer to any violent conduct in his report:

"In the 83rd minute Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off for the following reason: kicking an opponent when the ball was out of reach," the document is said to read.

As a result, Ronaldo could only miss one match in La Liga.