The Status quo remains: Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez lead Barcelona to an 8-0 win over Cordoba, Cristiano Ronaldo follows that up with a hat trick and a 3-2 win for Real Madrid over Sevilla. The lead is still two points for Barca on top of the La Liga, with only three matches left to play.
Barcelona won their fourth match in a row in one of those performances that makes everyone say how weak and bad the La Liga is below the top two, even though it’s the league that’s been the most successful in European competitions for the past five years, including the Europa League, showing the depth and talent that goes beyond the big two.
But Cordoba, the worst team in the league, headed back to the Segunda division, weren’t up to the task of stopping the league leaders. A hat trick from Suarez, a brace from Messi, one from Ivan Rakitic, Neymar and Gerard Pique each. One of the easiest and yet more impressive victory Barcelona have put on this season. But eight goals don’t mean more than three points.
Real Madrid had a different kind of experience in the South of Spain. Playing in Sevilla is always difficult. But Real Madrid took advantage of Sergio Ramos hitting (unintentionally for once) Grzegorz Krychowiak in the nose, which meant the Polish player was out for six or seven minutes getting treated. In that short timeframe, Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice (headers) and set the tone, with Sevilla chasing, almost coming back late in the match, but not doing enough to give Barcelona the edge they’ve been waiting for.
One last thing worth mentioning about Cristiano Ronaldo is the fact that he has now scored 219 goals in the La Liga for Real Madrid. Only 10 to go, and he’s the club’s all-time leading scorer in league matches. Yes, even more than Raul.
What’s Left
Barcelona have Real Sociedad at home, Atletico Madrid away and Deportivo at home besides their two Champions League matches with Bayern Munich and their Copa Del Rey final against Athletic Bilbao.
Real Madrid also have a Champions League semifinal in the way, facing Juventus. In the league, it’s Valencia at home, Espanyol away and Getafe at home.