Tracking Performances of Real Madrid, Barcelona Superstars After Weekend Sept 28
La Liga's biggest two clubs both clocked up comfortable wins on Saturday, with Real Madrid winning 2-0 at Villarreal before Barcelona smashed Granada by a 6-0 scoreline.
Our weekly feature looking at the stars from both teams continues this weekend, with our focus on the world's best two, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, plus their supporting acts from Neymar, Gareth Bale, Luis Suarez and James Rodriguez—the big signings from each club over the past two summers.
Here's our run-down of their games from this weekend.
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Real Contingent
All three of Real's were in action from the start again, with Cristiano Ronaldo adding to his phenomenal early season goal tally by hitting his 10th league strike already.
It was a mixed game for the Portuguese forward, who was bright and a threat throughout the first half, finishing easily after a Karim Benzema cross put him in the clear after a counter-attack, but Real sat back more after the break and the No. 7 couldn't get involved. Indeed he twice shot only at thin air, missing the ball entirely, in Real's sporadic counters.
"GOAL! Karim Benzema makes it, Cristiano Ronaldo scores it. Real Madrid lead 2-0 [via @WYN_Liga] http://t.co/VxnA05AwNv
— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) September 27, 2014"
Gareth Bale, by contrast, was largely anonymous throughout and did not really partake in too much buildup play or have a telling final-third impact.
James Rodriguez was the best out of the three with the Colombian looking far more assured in this game from his central midfield position, breaking forward with technique and class at many times after turnovers in possession and also doing his defensive work well until he was subbed so his side could become tougher to break down at the back.
Barça Duo
Neymar and Lionel Messi will get star billing on the back of the papers after the weekend, after a hat-trick for the former and another big performance by the latter.
The Brazilian scored twice in the first half and once in the second, all opportunistic strikes where he followed good buildup play intelligently, though his goals were certainly his best contribution in the 90 minutes. Too often, on the ball, Neymar was slow in his decision making and tried to beat defenders with no luck, while those around him in attack were certainly more consistent in their play.
Messi was head and shoulders above most, roving around the final third to create a number of chances, working hard off the ball to win it back for his team and, of course, pitching in with two goals of his own—including the 400th of his career for club and country.
"Lionel Messi scores the 400th goal of his career. He's only 27. #Messi400 http://t.co/3EkPS9th0t
— Bleacher Report UK (@br_uk) September 27, 2014"
Luis Suarez remains suspended though played for the B team in a friendly during the week, scoring twice.
Matchday Stats Comparison
| Bale | 90 | 53 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| James | 74 | 52 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Ronaldo | 90 | 47 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Messi | 90 | 79 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Neymar | 90 | 62 | 0 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
Season Stats Comparison
| Messi | 6 | 5 | 108 | 6 | 4.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 |
| Neymar | 3 (2) | 6 | 48 | 0 | 0.2 | 3.6 | 1.6 |
| Suarez | 0 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Ronaldo | 5 | 10 | 45 | 0 | 2.4 | 6.2 | 1.6 |
| Bale | 6 | 4 | 127 | 1 | 1.0 | 2.5 | 1.0 |
| James | 6 | 1 | 493 | 2 | 2.3 | 2.2 | 1.2 |
