But he didn't do anything to him except force him aside. That players sole intention was to get in Ronaldo's way and impede him from getting to the ball. Ronaldo saw a chance to beat the keeper to the ball and was trying to take it. If he wanted to deliberately elbow the player then it was a pathetic attempt, the best way would have been to elbow / forearm smash to the back of his head. He'd probably have got away with that too.