Weekend's matches in La Liga brought the same amount joy for Real Madrid, and added a few problems for Barcelona's domestic season.
Los Blancos now have a four game winning streak thanks to Alvaro Morata and Gareth Bale, who helped the team reach an all-tiime milestone for most consecutive matches scoring at least one goal. Zidane's men haven't dropped any points since their 2-1 loss against Sevilla last month.
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) February 18, 2017
We've now scored in 42 consecutive matches - a new club record! #HalaMadrid https://t.co/8ZCqsBleOL
On the other hand, Barcelona failed to impress against a humble Leganés side, which dominate portions of the game played at Camp Nou and saw how Messi saved the day with a penalty. The player's reaction after the game ended sparked crisis rumors, with fans and experts constantly judging Luis Enrique's tactics and decisions.
Name : Messi
— Leo Messi (@messi10stats) February 19, 2017
Job: Saving Luis Enrique's job pic.twitter.com/Q5vCWpEwVM
Here's how La Liga's standings look like after 23 weeks.
Pichichi race
Despite showing signs of being annoyed by his team's form, Messi's brace gave him something to smile about as he leapfrogged Luis Suárez in the battle to become La Liga's top scorer. Cristiano Ronaldo wasn't able to score, broadening the gap between both superstars by five goals.
— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) February 20, 2017
A Messi double makes him the leading scorer in #LaLigaSantander with 19 goals. pic.twitter.com/dBMEYet0Yr
Personal records
One of the most praised midfielders of his generation hit the 400-match mark, as Andrés Iniesta's late substitution gave him the chance to play this weekend for Barcelona. "El Fantasmita" is widely regarded as one of the finest footballers around, and he would need to play three more seasons with Los Blaugranas to become the all-time leader in that department, a record owned by Xavi with 505 matches played.
— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) February 19, 2017
Andres Iniesta makes his 400th appearance in #LaLiga! #FCBLeganes pic.twitter.com/V7KeugYFMa