Javier Mascherano given two-match ban, cleared to face Real Madrid

Barcelona defender Javier Mascherano has been handed a two-match ban following his red card in Saturday's La Liga clash against Eibar.

The Argentine was handed a straight red in the 83rd minute of the clash at Camp Nou, with the referee's report claiming that the 31-year-old had insulted the linesman's mother during a four-letter exclamation.

The Spanish giants appealed the decision, but it had been feared that he would be handed a four-game ban and therefore miss El Clasico towards the end of next month.

However, the Spanish Football Federation has decided to ban the centre-back for two matches after deeming his language 'not insulting'.

Mascherano will therefore miss the upcoming fixtures against Getafe and Villarreal.