Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo must sit out their clash with Espanyol.

Ronaldo will not play against Espanyol on Saturday after Spain's sporting disciplinary committee postponed their decision on Real Madrid's appeal against his two-match ban for a red card against Malaga.

The Portugal star, who celebrated his 25th birthday on Friday, was hoping the CEDD would halve his two-match suspension after he was sent off for elbowing Denmark international Patrick Mtiliga in the face.

But Friday's announcement means Ronaldo will miss the clash against the Catalan side at the Bernabeu - he also sat out Madrid's 3-1 win at Deportivo La Coruna last weekend - as Madrid look to maintain their Primera Division title challenge.

Real coach Manuel Pellegrini said: "Cristiano Ronaldo is a key player but without him we have topped the table and won big games.

"This is a good squad with great players and I am pleased with how we are doing."