Earlier this week…
Cristiano Ronaldo proves himself against Bosnia
Before the international session this month, Cristiano Ronaldo had netted four goals in four games for Portugal since August - eventually averaging a goal per game for his country. This was enough for the superstar to be proud of his performance at international level; but it was his achievement on November 15 that sent him to another level under his national team’s jersey.
In an UEFA Euro 2012 play-off match where a non-goalless draw would have been insufficient on aggregate, the playmaker made sure his responsibilities were totally assumed. Cristiano Ronaldo scored a thunderous free-kick after only eight minutes against Bosnia-Herzegovina, before netting an easier goal that bagged him a double.
It was overall a dazzling performance from the Real Madrid man…
Lionel Messi gets breathing space
For Messi, goals haven’t been flowing much at international level. In fact recently, he has been at the source of many interviews from some of world football’s top names. Even Brazilian legend Pele criticized his inability to excel for La Albiceleste.
But in mid-week - after failing to get on the scoring sheet against Bolivia despite many expectations from the public - the Barcelona forward left his mark in Argentina’s World Cup Qualifying encounter against Colombia. Messi was at least able to silence detractors for a while through a goal on the hour mark that helped his side win 2-1.
At the weekend: La Liga
Both scorers…
Barcelona played earlier, facing Real Zaragoza at the Camp Nou. Home fans did not have to go past the half-time break to see Lionel Messi score a goal - his second for his side on the night. In the end, his contribution proved to be enough to power the Catalans to a comfortable 4-0 victory over their visitors.
At the Mestalla, things were a bit more difficult for Ronaldo. He did get on the scoring sheet though, but there were lots of struggles as Valencia fought with all they had to secure at least a point. In the long run, the winger’s goal turned out to be extremely vital, as Los Blancos escaped with a narrow but benefitting 3-2 win.
Club level – statistics
Again, it is all about the world’s two most followed superstars at the moment: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. When it comes to La Liga's goalscoring chart, it is the Argentine’s name that comes on top with 15 goals. But he is immediately followed by Ronaldo, who has a goal less.
Speaking of other individual records, one could point out that Ronaldo hit his fourth hat-trick of the season earlier in November, in Real Madrid’s 7-1 victory over Osasuna. Interestingly, Lionel Messi shares the same stats - his last triplet being against Victoria Plzen in the UEFA Champions League.
In less than 30 days, both players face each other in El Clasico. The clash will not only affect their statistics, but more importantly, it could have a significant impact on their form and mentality for the rest of the 2011/12 season.
