The Portuguese forward was yellow carded for simulation against Rayo Vallecano - despite clear contact - before he went on to score his 300th goal for the clubReal Madrid's next match.
The Portugal international has been mocked by rival fans for his simulation antics in the past and perhaps that weighed on the mind of the referee when Antonio Amaya slid into the forward's legs inside the hosts' penalty area in the 51st minute.
The visiting fans were expecting a penalty to be called - in what looked to be one of the simpler spot-kick decisions of the season - but the official instead yellow-carded the Ballon d'Or holder for what he considered a dive, to the shock of Carlo Ancelotti's side and their supporters.
Ronaldo was stunned to be booked - which rules him out of this weekend's home tie against Eibar - and the European champions were evidently frustrated, with Gareth Bale and Toni Kroos yellow-carded almost instantly afterwards for a reckless challenge and dissent respectively.
Real Madrid's bitter disappointment was soon placated as Ronaldo responded by heading home his 300th goal - set up by a fine Dani Carvajal cross from the right flank - for the club he joined in 2009.
Kroos and James Rodriguez - who was the first player on the pitch to go in the referee's book with 20 minutes on the clock - will join Ronaldo on the sidelines this weekend, though they will return in the Champions League quarter-finals against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.
The trio's absence against Eibar could be costly as the Blancos are chasing Liga table-toppers Barcelona, who remain four points clear at the top following their 4-0 win over Eibar.
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