Cristiano Ronaldo Handed Three-Game Ban

Cristiano Ronaldo has been banned for three league games after being sent off against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. The Portuguese forward received a one-game ban for the straight red card after clashing with Athletic’s Carlos Gurpegi, and two more for gesturing as he left the field. He'll be ruled out of the La Liga fixtures against Villarreal, Getafe and Elche unless Real Carlo Ancelotti’s side hosts Diego Simeone’s men in the Copa on the back of a 22-match unbeaten run. Atletico won at the Bernabeu in September, however, Real has not lost since defeat at Barcelona on 26 October. “A different Real Madrid will play to the team that played Atletico in the league,” said Ancelotti. “I think we're playing well and areconfident at the moment. We're balanced however, we could still improve. I’m happy with the team.” Bale, 24, has missed Real’s last two matches with a calf injury, making only 13 appearances in La Liga after being hampered by injuries inhis debut campaign.However, the Welshman has still managed to score 10 goals in all competitions for Los Blancos. Spain striker David Villa is a doubt for La Liga leaders Atletico after suffering a thigh injury during Sunday’s 4-0 win over Real Sociedad. The semi-final is a repeat of last season’s final, when Atletico won 2-1 in a stormy encounter – with then-Real boss Jose Mourinho sent off – at the Bernabeu. Both clubs have been successful in Spain’s premier cup competition, with Atletico having won it 10 times and Real on 18 occasions.