Comparing Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's performances in El Clasicos

Cristiano Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009

Cristiano Ronaldo, the Portugal skipper has been under the shadow of Messi ever since he joined Madrid but has proved time and again that he’s a worthy competitor to him.

1. Super Cup 2012 (Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona) Madrid defeated Barcelona to the trophy, with Ronaldo one of his best goals for his team.

2. La Liga 2012 (Real Madrid 2-2 Barcelona) Messi and Ronaldo continued the greatest rivalry in the modern game with two goals apiece. The Portuguese winger fired his side ahead with a low shot but Messi equalized from close-range to send Barca in level at half-time. Messi then beat Casillas with another beautifully placed free-kick for his 17th goal in the Clasico. Ronaldo equalized again for Madrid as Mourinho’s side claimed a point at Camp Nou.

3. La Liga 2012 (Barcelona 1-2 Real Madrid) In his finest Clasico moment, Ronaldo with a 73rd-minute winner at the Camp Nou led Real Madrid to their first win in eight league matches.

The renewal of the rivalry in the new La Liga season

It is difficult to assess who is a better player- both dish out some exceptional performances in the Clasicos when their team is in dire states and coming to a final judgement would be unfair for either of them. Messi, with a strike rate of 0.72 goals per match, is ahead to Ronaldo’s rate of 0.63, but only just. Their is no denying their contributions to the league and come 26th October, all eyes will shift to Bernabeu as the two will face off once again, as a whole new season gets underway.

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