It seems like whatever Cristiano Ronaldo can do, Lionel Messi can do better and the four time Ballon d’Or winner proved this on Sunday in a stunning display, overshadowing Ronaldo once again.
Messi scored an impressive four goals as Barcelona beat Osasuna 5-1 only a matter of hours after Cristiano Ronaldo scored a perfect hat-trick for Real Madrid on the way to defeating Getafe 4-0. Ronaldo netted with his left foot, right foot and also with a powerful header in just ten minutes after Sergio Ramos but Madrid ahead. The hat-trick took Ronaldo’s tally for the season to 33 goals in 32 appearances. Messi went one better in Barcelona’s evening match against Osasuna, however, scoring four wonderful and typically Messi-esque goals meaning his season tally reached a staggering 44 goals in 32 games and showing why he has been labelled as the best player in the world.
The two superstars will meet on Wednesday 30th January in the first leg of the Copa Del Rey semi-final and it may take something special from either one to separate the sides. The second leg will be played in Barcelona, at the Nou Camp week commencing February 25. Real Madrid have won more El Clásico’s than Barcelona with 88 wins compared to the Catalans’ 86, but Madrid are somewhat struggling in La Liga this season currently sitting in third place trailing fifteen points behind Barcelona. Their city rivals Atletico Madrid are also ahead by four points. Real Madrid may be worrying slightly over their first-choice keeper and captain Iker Casillas, as he broke his hand against Valencia on Wednesday. In the last La Liga El Clásico, both Ronaldo and Messi netted a brace in a brilliant 2-2 draw, proving the quality of the two men.
The El Clásico has always been a thoroughly entertaining game with an intense atmosphere and is classed as one of, if not the best, derbies in the world. It is certain that the world’s two best players, whether it be Ronaldo or Messi, will make their mark on the game – definitely one that every football fan should watch!
