Records tumble as Madrid and Barcelona win

Cristiano Ronaldo struck for a record 41st time this league season as Real Madrid CF eased past Real Sporting de Gijón 3-1, before Lionel Messi equalled the remarkable feat as FC Barcelona eked out a 2-1 success at Levante UD.

José Mourinho's side did not make life easy for themselves, falling behind on the half-hour mark when Sergio Ramos conceded a penalty which Miguel de las Cuevas converted. Madrid regrouped and levelled eight minutes before the break, Gonzalo Higuaín heading beyond Juan Pablo.

The pressure from Madrid was relentless and Sporting's second-half resilience broke when Ronaldo glanced Angel Di María's deft delivery into the far corner for his 41st Liga goal in 33 appearances. Karim Benzema drilled in Madrid's third, equalling their club record for the most goals in a single Liga season (107), set in 1989/90, before Roberto Canella was sent off.

Despite their territorial supremacy, Barcelona failed to prise open the Levante defence. They were made to pay when Sergio Busquets handled in the area and José Barkero scored from the spot. Barça rallied in the second half, Messi equalising with a sublime finish before shattering another record with a penalty. Josep Guardiola's side are four points behind Madrid, whom they host next weekend.