Ronaldo vs Messi - El Clásico Preview
The two greatest players in world football go head to head today in round one of their four upcoming battles! The adiZero magician and the Mercurial master will face off in a true test of their big-game abilities as Barcelona and Real Madrid battle for supremacy in four matches across three tournaments.
Cant wait until kick-off and need some Messi v Ronaldo stats to wet your appetite before the big match? Take a look at how both players compare in the Primera Liga this season as we take you through some Castrol Edge performance data!
Castrol EDGE Performance data shows that Lionel Messi has been involved in more goals than Cristiano Ronaldo in the top five European leagues this season.Both have surpassed everyone this season in terms of goal involvement. Having scored one more goal than Ronaldo, Messi has also been far more creative with 17 assists, more than twice as many as the Portuguese international.
Ronaldo has had more shots than any other player (212) but he has been less clinical in his finishing than Messi who converts one in every four attempts. Messi also attempts more passes (over 30 more than Ronaldo per game)
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In the first 'El Clasico' of the season back in November, Barcelona put in the ultimate clinical performance. The game will be remembered as one of the most clinical and complete performances from Barcelona. The quality of the team performance made Madrid look distinctly average - a feeling Ronaldo isn't used to. |
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Even if Ronaldo can maintain his impressive amount of shots per game, the Real Madrid goal-machine will be up against one of the most challenging keepers in football. Victor ValdÉs has saved 81% of shots he has faced this season in the Spanish top flight. The Spanish shot stopper has only conceded 14 goals this season in La LIga.
Another stat that Ronaldo will be well aware of heading into El Clasico is that the Portuguese international has never scored or assisted a goal when playing against Lionel Messi at club level. Incredibly, Ronaldo has a poor record against the No.1 player in the world that stretches back to his early days at Manchester United.
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With Ronaldo wearing his new CR Nike Superfly boots for the first time tonight, you feel the stage is set for CR7 to break his goal scoring duck against Lionel Messi. From a Nike point of view, an El Clasico goal for Ronaldo's new Superfly's would be promotion money cant buy! |
For an attacking player in one of the most technically precise and intricate sides in the world, Lionel Messi has an incredible 86% pass completion rate. The little magician weaves in and out of defences, providing passes and assists (17 in total) with startling accuracy. In comparison with his Madrid counterpart, Messi involves himself far more in a game with an average of 68.8 passes per game compared to 38.6 for Ronaldo.
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Whereas Barcelona like to penetrate defences through the middle, unlocking them with a series of one-two passes, Madrid and are known for utilising the wide areas far more. Ronaldo has nearly double the amount of crosses per game compared to Messi. |
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Few come close to Lionel Messi when it comes to dribbling at defenders. The Argentine its the dribbler extraordinaire and there is no one better in the world at taking on players. He is not the the strongest, but relies on natural balance and ability at speed to beat his man. In comparison, Ronaldo relies more on his pace to beat players,along with an array of signature skills and manoeuvres.
Let us know what you think on tonights big match! Have your say and join the conversations with the SoccerBible community online, on Twitter and on Facebook.
