La Liga: Real Madrid defender Nacho’s suspension lifted hours before Celta Vigo game

Real Madrid’s decision to name suspended defender Nacho from their squad for the crucial trip to Celta Vigo on Wednesday has been vindicated after the Spanish soccer association’s appeals committee overturned his ban.

Nacho, who scored with a quick free kick in Real’s 4-1 win over Sevilla on Sunday, was booked in the 80th minute for arguing with Joaquin Correa, earning a suspension for completing a cycle of five yellow cards, but is now free to face Celta.

The federation’s competition committee upheld the yellow card on Tuesday, leaving Real to turn to the appeals committee as a last resort, which ruled in their favour in a statement on Wednesday. Real are locked on 87 points with champions and leaders Barcelona at the top of the La Liga standings and can go three points clear at the top and close in on a first league title in five years if they win at Celta.

Defenders Pepe and Dani Carvajal are ruled out due to injury along with forwards James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale.