Cristiano Ronaldo Out For Real Madrid, Gareth Bale In Against Galatasaray

Cristiano Ronaldo is out of the Galatasaray match for Real Madrid on Wednesday, but Gareth Bale is in and will lead the Madrid team in their UEFA Champions League meet.

Ronaldo had brushed off concerns earlier in the week that his hamstring strain was a serious injury, but it will sideline him for the home game today.

The Portuguese star was seen limping at the start of the second half on Saturday’s Real Madrid’s La Liga victory against Almeria, and on Monday it was determined he suffered a hamstring injury.

The team says Cristiano Ronaldo’s injury is not serious and he may be available for next Saturday’s match against Real Valladolid, according to head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

“Cristiano cannot play tomorrow [Wednesday]. He has picked up a very small problem. I think tomorrow he will start to work on his own on the pitch and we’ll see if he can be available for Saturday.

“It’s a muscle strain but the player is very confident he can play on Saturday.

“If there is a risk he could injure himself we will not use him. If he is fine then he’ll play.”

Cristiano Ronaldo is having a magnificent season not only for Real Madrid, but for Portugal. He has scored 14 goals in the last seven games between both teams.

The last time Real and Galatasaray faced off, the Spanish team pounded with a 6-1 victory.

Even though team officials and Ronaldo himself say the injury is not serious, fans are concerned at not having their star for the match.

Ancelotti has been able to rely on Ronaldo all season as he has not missed one minute of play thus far.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence is Gareth Bale’s opportunity to shine on Wednesday, and though he is not the team’s starter, when injury free he is also a powerful addition.

If Real wins on Saturday, they would claim the top spot on Group B and top placement in the group of 16.

Ronaldo and Bale seem to be a friendly relationship, at least they portray that in public, but there is also some competition — Bale needs to prove his mutli-million dollar contract is worth it for Real Madrid.

Bale will not be under extreme pressure to win since a loss will not mean disaster for the Spaniards, but with Cristiano Ronaldo out of the game he has the chance to prove there is someone else who can carry this team.