Real, Barca warm up for El Clasico in style
Ronaldo hits his 15th league goal in Real Madrid’s win over Levante; Messi on target for Barcelona against Eibar.
Cristiano Ronaldo maintained his blistering scoring form with two goals as Real Madrid warmed up for the El Clasico with a 5-0 victory over Levante in La Liga.
The Portuguese has 15 netted times in the first eight league games and Real move up to second in the table, a point behind leaders Barcelona who they meet next weekend.
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Ronaldo slotted home a penalty after 13 minutes following a foul by Juanfran on Javier Hernandez and the Mexican striker headed in from close range before halftime.
After the break Ronaldo completed his brace with a run down the left wing and a clinical finish. James Rodriguez volleyed in the fourth after 65 minutes and Isco completed the rout with an 18-metre drive.
Later, Lionel Messi hit the final goal for La Liga leaders Barcelona in a 3-0 win over Eibar to move one off the league scoring record ahead of next weekend’s Clasico with Real Madrid.
Barca needed Xavi to come to the rescue on the hour to finally break the resistance of a resolute Eibar side who are enjoying their first season in the top flight.
Neymar quickly added to the lead and then combined with Messi for the Argentine to notch his 250th league goal.
Messi, who this week celebrated 10 years since his Barca debut, has a chance against Real to beat Telmo Zarra’s record of 251 goals for Athletic Bilbao in the 1940s and ’50s.
Top scorers:
15 – Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
8 – Neymar (Barcelona)
7 – Lionel Messi (Barcelona)