Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says he's surprised Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't able to play in his side's 3-0 win over Elche on Saturday after the Portuguese's appeal against a three-game suspension was rejected.
Ronaldo had already served his suspension for two of the games after being sent-off against Athletic Bilbao earlier this month and then showing dissent as he left the field.
However, a decision on the club's appeal to the new Spanish administrative sports court wasn't taken until barely two hours before kick-off at the Bernabeu on Saturday.
And Ancelotti believes the whole situation has been handled badly.
"Nobody is happy with this situation. A suspension of three games doesn't seem normal to me, nor does the fact that it wasn't reduced at least one game on appeal and that we had to wait until two o'clock to know that he couldn't play," said the Italian.
"It is an incredible situation. Luckily, the rest of the players have played very well in these three games and we have won. I don't understand the situation and I will not forget it."
On the field it was another satisfactory afternoon for Ancelotti, though, as his side moved three points clear of Barcelona at the top of La Liga for a few hours at least thanks to goals from Asier Illarramendi, Gareth Bale and Isco.
Bale's was the pick of the bunch as the Welshman shrugged off a frustrating afternoon until that point to smash home his 12th goal of the season 19 minutes from time.
Ancelotti admitted Bale had been far from his best during the first hour of the game but hailed his impact after finding the net.
"He was a different player before and after the goal.
"Before he was playing without confidence and then everything changed. Obviously, given the type of player he is, the goal helped him a lot.
"It is difficult to play against a well-organised team and it is difficult to find space. Before the goal he did ok, but after he was brilliant."
Madrid now face a huge week as they return to Champions League action when they travel to face Schalke in the first leg of their last 16 tie before facing Atletico Madrid at the Vicente Calderon next Sunday.
As well as Ronaldo, Ancelotti will be able to recall Luka Modric from suspension for the trip to Germany, whilst Sergio Ramos will also return after being rested against Elche.
