Cristiano Ronaldo's perfect league appearance record for Real Madrid this season could be at risk after he suffered a leg injury in Thursday's 7-0 mauling of Malaga.

Ronaldo asked to leave the pitch immediately after completing his hat-trick with Madrid's final goal in the 77th minute, leaving Jose Mourinho's side to play out the remainder of the match with ten man as all three substitutes had been used up.

A medical statement on the Madrid website after the game said Ronaldo had been affected by a problem with his left hamstring, and that his progress would be monitored.

It remains to be seen if Ronaldo will be available to face Racing Santander on Sunday, but the Portugal international had his doubts immediately after Thursday's match.

I did it in scoring the goal. I'm sure it's nothing special, but it's better not to take any risks. In principle I don't think I will play on Sunday.
Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo

The 26-year-old, who has started every league game this season, was quoted as saying in the Spanish media: "I did it in scoring the goal. I'm sure it's nothing special, but it's better not to take any risks. In principle I don't think I will play on Sunday."

Losing the £80million man would be a big blow to Madrid as he took his tally to 27 league goals for the season with his treble against Malaga and is now level with Barcelona's Lionel Messi at the top of the scoring charts. Madrid's second-top scorer in La Liga is the injured Gonzalo Higuain with seven goals, while Angel Di Maria is in third place with six.

Madrid closed the gap to Primera Division leaders Barcelona to seven points with their victory over Malaga, which saw Karim Benzema net a brace and Di Maria also get on the scoresheet.