BEIJING, Nov.23 (Xinhuanet) -- All eyes would be on Barca's Lionel Messi. The Argentine striker was one goal short of breaking Telmo Zarra's career scoring record for the Spanish top flight.
Messi came into the match at 250 La Liga goals. He would get number 251 in the 21st minute with a typically breathtaking effort. That equals the scoring mark.
Barca pulled ahead and led 3-1, before Messi would rewrite history in the 72nd. The Argentine, striking from close range for his 252nd La Liga goal. The four-time World Player of the Year surpassing the mark set by Zarra in1955. Messi's team mates picked him up and threw him into the air several times while his adoring fans at the Nou Camp wildly cheered their star who joined the club's academy at the age of 13.
Only six minutes later, Messi got number 253. The prolific forward breaking away from the Sevilla defence for a powerful low drive. The trademark goal put a perfect end to the match which saw Barca win 5-1 against Sevilla and Messi reach the new milestone.
Meanwhile, Barca's archrivals Real Madrid took on Eibar. Gareth Bale almost opens the scoring with a powerful free-kick. Sergio Ramos'follow-up goes wide.
Real came into the match with a two-point edge at top of the standings. In the 23rd minute, James Rodriguez heads in for the go-ahead. Real led 1-0.
The mighty visitors double the tally just before the break. Cristiano Ronaldo's scuffed shot somehow finds the back of the net. Ronaldo celebrates with his traditional style, and coach Carlo Ancelotti imitates the Portuguese star.
Real kept pouring it on in the second half, and their third goal came in the 70th minute. Karim Benzema smashes one in from the middle of the area and makes it 3-0. The match is no longer in doubt.
Ronaldo then scores his 20th goal of the campaign from the spot. Real went on to win it 4-0 at Eibar and stay on top of the standings.
Defending champions Atletico Madrid beat Malaga 3-1. Atletico captain Gabi was sent off two minutes from time when time didn't allow Malaga to fight back. Real Sociedad and Deportivo Coruna played to a goal-less draw.
To the standings, Real stay on top with 30 points after picking up their 13th straight victory in all competitions. Barcelona are two points behind their rivals, while Atletico leapfrog Valencia for third place. Valencia do have a game in hand.
(Source: CNTV.com)
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