World Player of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo was sent off for kicking out at an opponent but Real Madrid still beat Cordoba 2-1 away while Barcelona kept on their heels with a 6-0 demolition at Elche. Ronaldo kicked out at defender Edimar with seven minutes to go as Real struggled to create chances but they were gifted the win when a Gareth Bale free kick was handled by Fede Cartabia in the area. Cartabia was also sent off for a second bookable offence and, with Ronaldo off the pitch, Bale fired home the winning penalty with two minutes left. Real have been unable to maintain the form that saw them string together 22 consecutive victories in all competitions before the mid-season break but they remain in top with 48 points, one more than Barca and also with a game in hand. Reports say that with a lenient referee’s report that was submitted, Ronaldo who have since apologized could end up serving only one match ban. This is Ronaldo’s fourth red card in his Spanish La Liga career.