Cristiano Ronaldo Injured, Misses Wednesday's Champions League Match Against Galatasaray, Fans Raise Banners, Face Masks in Support of Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or Bid

"Thanks to the fans for the great support," Cristiano Ronaldo wrote on Instagram along with a picture of the crowd's raising a banner with an image of him. "I wish I was there helping my team," he added.

On Saturday, Ronaldo injured his left hamstring during the Real Madrid's match against Almeria. Real took home the victory with a score of 5-0, but the Real Madrid superstar walked off hurt. Due to the injury, Ronaldo was unable to support the team in its match against Galatasaray on Wednesday.

As much as fans would love to see Ronaldo play with the team in its Galatasaray match, Ronaldo would not be forced to play and make his injury worse, according to Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti. "We do not want to risk playing with him and make it worse," said Ancelloti. "Ronaldo has a very little problem, and it is expected that he will be able to train again tomorrow," he said. "I think he will recover soon, and they will run more tests on him tomorrow," Ancelotti concluded.

In support of Ronaldo, the fans of the Spanish giants have brought banners, posters, and masks during the said match. A banner measuring ten metres was held up by fans. "Our unconditional support for Comandante Cristiano, for the Ballon d'Or and La Decima" it reads. "We are all Cristiano," another poster reads. Fans have also held up placards with Ronaldo's jersey number 7.

Ronaldo is inclined to bag the 2013 Ballon d'Or to be honoured in January after Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has announced that the voting process will be re-opened. Ronaldo's hat-trick, which helped Portugal defeat Sweden to qualify for the World Cup, is expected to become a huge factor for him to win the coveted award.

Lionel Messi, who is also out on injury, has won the Ballon d'Or award for three times since its inception in 2010.