Bayern member F.Ribery: fans love me more than C.Ronaldo © EuroFootball.com

Although Cristiano Ronaldo, Franck Ribery, and Lionel Messi did not play in the Champions League matches due to injuries, the rivalry between these footballers for the "Golden Ball" continued in the stadium corridors.

Before the match between Real Madrid and Galatasaray in the Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid, 45 thousand cardboard masks with Cristiano Ronaldo's image were distributed to the fans.

With this action, the Spanish fans wanted to support the Real star in the elections for the best footballer of the year in the world.

"I am happy for C.Ronaldo. But the love from the fans that I feel in Munich is even stronger," commented Bayern defender Franck Ribery, considered one of the favorites in the FIFA Ballon d'Or elections.

"My fans really do not need to prove their love with such actions. On the contrary - I know that I am always in their hearts. Bayern fans love me very much and I feel that every day."