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Madrid. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were vying for top billing in Spain’s La Liga on Saturday after leading their sides to victories.

Argentina’s Messi, who beat Ronaldo in the voting to lift the Ballon d’Or for the European Footballer of the Year during the week, scored twice for leader Barcelona in a 3-1 victory at Deportivo Coruna.

Portugal’s Ronaldo won and missed a penalty, scored a goal and was then sent off as Real Madrid came back to beat visiting Almeria 4-2.

The champion is top with 36 points from 14 games, five ahead of second-place Real, which has played one game fewer.

Messi gave Barca a deserved lead at the Riazor, scoring from the edge of the area after 27 minutes.

But Depor leveled when a punt from the goalkeeper was inadvertently flicked on by Sergio Busquets and Adrian headed past Victor Valdes before halftime.

Substitute Pedro crossed for an unopposed Messi to head Barca back in front after a well-worked move in the 80th, and in-form Zlatan Ibrahimovic rounded off the scoring at the end.

The Swedish striker netted his 10th of the campaign, and third in three matches this week.

Real looked to be cruising at the Bernabeu when Sergio Ramos headed his team in front after 31 minutes but the visitor netted twice in four minutes midway through the second half.

Gonzalo Higuain leveled for Real in the 74th before Ronaldo flung himself over Almeria goalkeeper Diego Alves to win a disputed penalty in the 81st.

Alves saved the spot kick but Karim Benzema converted the rebound and Ronaldo made it 4-2 two minutes later, picking up a yellow card as he celebrated by taking off his shirt.

In the last minute, Ronaldo was dismissed after kicking Almeria’s Juanma Ortiz following a tussle for the ball, earning his second yellow card.

“I’m someone who doesn’t like to make mistakes. I’m very much a perfectionist,” Ronaldo said. “I scored after [missing the penalty] so I’m happy about that.”

Real’s director general, Jorge Valdano, said the first half against Almeria was the best the team has played in the Bernabeu this season.

“Ronaldo’s influence is very positive for the team. He’s an ambitious and brave man,” he said, “and I think he’s been the victim of that passion.”

Earlier, third-place Sevilla was held 1-1 at home by 10-man Real Valladolid, bringing its La Liga title credentials into question for the second week in a row.



Reuters, AP