Real duo sanctioned for Villareal match

Real Madrid will be without skipper Fernando Hierro and midfielder Claude Makelele when they meet Villareal next weekend.

Hierro was booked during Sunday's 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo, now with a total of five yellow cards in the competition, the 33 year old must serve a one match ban.

Makelele meanwhile was sent off towards the end of the game for committing two bookable offences and so he automatically misses next Saturday's game.

The double blow couldn't have come at a worse time for Real coach Vicente Del Bosque, who is already struggling to get the balance right both in defence and midfield.

With few options open to cover Hierro in defence, Del Bosque may have to draft in either Ruben Gonzalez or Ivan Helguera to partner newcomer Francisco Pavon.

Makelele's place in midfield is likely to go to Albert Celades, who has deputised for the injured Helguera in recent outings.