The fight to keep at the top of La Liga continues with Real Madrid and Barcelona going toe to toe every week. In the past couple of days, both sides claimed wins at home against Espanyol and Mallorca, respectively. While Sevilla is behind these titans, it seems that the Spanish top-flight will once again become a two-team race for the championship.
The game between Los Blaugranas and Mallorca had a few highlights courtesy of Lionel Messi, who basically earned one more milestone by scoring one more hat-trick. Even so, the real standout for Messi's season is that he is already the top scorer in La Liga, and he is now competing with teams when it comes to comparing one particular stat.
7 - Most goals from outside the box in the top five European Leagues this season:
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) December 7, 2019
10 - BARCELONA
9 - Bordeaux
8 - Manchester City
8 - RB Leipzig
7 - LIONEL MESSI
7 - Atalanta
7 - Lyon
7 - Cagliari
7 - Internazionale
Genie. pic.twitter.com/RD26pI6T0q
Speaking about Real Madrid, the Spanish giants have added one more record to their already ilustrious history. "Real Madrid is the first team to reach 1700 wins in La Liga history".
Real Madrid es el primer equipo en llegar a los 1700 partidos ganados en la historia de la Liga española de Primera División. pic.twitter.com/TzYP6Kyl6h
— SportsCenter (@SC_ESPN) December 8, 2019
Pichichi race
Messi was not available to play for Barcelona in the early days of the league, and even with less chances to score, he is now the top scorer in La Liga.
Messi's hat-trick means he is now the top scorer in #LaLigaSantander. pic.twitter.com/2bQ8bZvoRd
— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) December 7, 2019
La Liga standings after Matchday 16
Espanyol's loss against Real Madrid saw Los Periquitos drop to last place in La Liga, while Atlético Madrid earned one more draw to continue their fall from grace. Care to look at how the table looks like?
1st — @FCBarcelona (34pts)
— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) December 8, 2019
2nd — @realmadriden (34pts)
With 10 days until #ElClásico, it couldn't be closer at the top of #LaLigaSantander! pic.twitter.com/5JsnN2sycV