Cristiano Ronaldo: Amazed at not being awarded a penalty

Real Madrid have appealed the yellow card shown to Cristiano Ronaldo for diving during Wednesday's 2-0 win over Rayo Vallecano.

The Portuguese striker received his fifth booking of the campaign from referee Mario Melero Lopez, which would see him miss Saturday's visit of Eibar to the Santiago Bernabeu, despite appearing to be brought down by Antonio Amaya while the score was still goalless.

"Real Madrid will appeal the yellow card shown to Cristiano Ronaldo in the game against Rayo yesterday in Vallecas," the club said in a statement on Thursday.

Cristiano Ronaldo was booked for diving during Real Madrid's game at Rayo Vallecano Cristiano Ronaldo was booked for diving during Real Madrid's game at Rayo Vallecano

Real boss Carlo Ancelotti remonstrated with the officials after the match and described the decision not to award a spot-kick as "incredible".

Ronaldo went on to score his 300th goal for Madrid in just 288 games for the club heading home Daniel Carvajal's cross for the opener and James Rodriguez stroked home his side's second five minutes later to secure the win.

The European champions remain four points adrift of Barcelona at the top of La Liga after Lionel Messi turned on the style to help the Catalans seal a 4-0 win over Almeria at the Nou Camp.