In the last installment of the Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo series, the two stars pulled away with two victories over their respective rivals in alternating weeks. Messi came out on top in week one, while Ronaldo came away with a win in week two thanks to an assist and a Messi injury. The Argentinean came back with a huge three-goal performance in the third week, while his rival settled for a single goal; however, during the International break, Ronaldo came through for his country when it needed him most.
How did the superstars do in week four?
Messi had another terrific week and was the main reason why Barcelona came away with a marginal 3-2 win over Sevilla FC. Since opening the year with a 7-0 blowout over Levante, Blaugrana has struggled to win against other Spanish League clubs and nowhere was this more evident than in the win over Sevilla. Barcelona had a 2-0 lead thanks to a gorgeous passing play between Messi, Cesc Fabregas and Neymar. The Argentinean dished out the pass into the middle to Fabregas and took off toward the inside of the box. Fabregas found Neymar racing into the area from the left side and once he received the pass, the Brazilian made a low cross to Messi who did what he does best and redirected the ball into the net.
However, Messi's brilliance came late in the match. With the score tied 2-2 and his team staring at a draw after blowing a two-goal lead in the final 10 minutes, Messi surged down the left wing into the box. He passed the ball past a defender and raced after it even though it seemed destined to go out of bounds. Messi slid to hit the ball back into play just before it hit the touchline. The ball went into the danger zone of the penalty area where it eventually found Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean poked the ball home to give Barcelona a 3-2 win.
Ronaldo's club did not fare as well as Madrid looked overwhelmed by Villarreal throughout the 90 minutes of play. Of course, the Portuguese star did score for Madrid and gave them a temporary 2-1 lead in the game, but it ultimately meant little as Los Blancos wound up with a 2-2 draw.
Through four weeks, Ronaldo has two goals and one assist in four Spanish League matches, while Messi has six goals and one assist in only three matches.
Winner: There really is no contest. Messi's club won (thanks to him), while Ronaldo's attempts to score a game-winner were ultimately foiled. Messi now leads 3-2.
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