Carlo keeps the Cristiano faith

The line-up that Carlo Ancelotti used in this Thursday's training session reflects that the Real manager is still hoping to include Cristiano Ronaldo in the game against Elche this Saturday. The Italian coach last week showed his surprise about the lack of a firm decision in the Cristiano case following an appeal that had been sent three days previously.

Although Ancelotti still has faith in his possibilities of having Ronaldo available for the game, the club's legal department is more than pessimistic about the chances that today a final resolution will be made. Firstly, because nobody is sure if the Spanish Disciplinary Committee for Sports (CEDD) will make any decision whatsoever, as in theory at least it does not exist, having celebrated its final meeting last week. Meanwhile, the new Administrative Tribunal created to replace it is still not fully formulated and is without a designated president.

This legal wilderness has left Real Madrid feeling adrift and helpless, after unsuccessfully trying to appeal the three-game suspension given to Ronaldo by the Competition Committee for his sending off in San Mamés.
Whatever happens, and even if Cristiano has to sit out the game against Elche, he will definitely be present for the all-important Champions League game against Schalke this Wednesday.