It's been a while since Cristiano Ronaldo last played a vital match for Real Madrid. After being sent off in Real's 1-1 drat at San Mamés against Athletic Bilbao, the current Ballon D'Or missed Real Madrid's three dominant Liga BBVA wins against Villarreal, Getafe and Elche. He was on the pitch for both Copa del Rey derbies against Atlético de Madrid, but it has been two weeks since he wore the white shirt.
If Cristiano Ronaldo used those 15 days to rest and get ready for Real Madrid's upcoming challenges -Schalke and Atlético de Madrid next Sunday in what could be a decisive game for the Liga BBVA title-, Real Madrid will surely end up benefiting from that three-match ban.