Ronaldo behaviour causes a real stir in Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo has become a real favourite with Real Madrid fans with his dazzling skills and goals but they saw a different side of the Portuguese captain in the 4-2 home win over Almeria on Saturday when he didn't celebrate a vital goal with his team-mates and was then sent off for kicking an opponent.

Ronaldo won a controversial 82nd minute penalty - with goalkeeper Diego Alves appearing to get a hand on the ball - with the score at 2-2 but fluffed his spot-kick only for team-mate Karim Benzema to spare his blushes by slotting in the rebound.

Rather than celebrate with Benzema, Ronaldo strangely walked back to the centre circle in disappointment at missing his penalty although Frenchman Benzema played down the incident afterwards.

"He (Ronaldo) told us he was really sorry in the changing room," said Benzema. "It is the type of thing that can happen to anyone. He was disappointed to miss the penalty but afterwards he was happy I scored. He is a great professional and wants the team to win."

Despite not celebrating, Ronaldo said he was happy for Benzema, declaring: "I am a perfectionist but the good thing was Karim managed to score."

Real coach Manuel Pellegrini defended Ronaldo's behaviour saying the world's most expensive player didn't have any problems with his team-mates.

"It is difficult when you miss a penalty not to dwell on it," said Pellegrini. "It wasn't bad sportsmanship and he (Ronaldo) doesn't have a problem with anyone else nor is he selfish."

Minutes later Ronaldo scored Real's fourth goal, rolling in from close range and ripped off his shirt to celebrate earning him a yellow card for his trouble. It proved a significant booking.

Frustrated by being on the receiving end of shirt-tugs and late challenges, the former Manchester United man was justifiably sent off in the closing stages for kicking Juanma Ortiz, completing an action-packed 10 minutes for Ronaldo.

"I am human and have my faults too," said Ronaldo. "It was an instinctive reaction and I have apologised to my team-mates."

Ronaldo's red card means he is now suspended for next weekend's trip to rivals Valencia having only just returned to action following his ankle injury. "It is a game I really wanted to play in so I am sad," he admitted.