Another weekend has gone by in La Liga, and Barcelona made the most out of it by beating Eibar and by leapfrogging Real Madrid in the title race with El Clásico just around the corner. After the weekend, Barcelona returned to the top spot of the league, and now own a two-goal margin over their bitter rivals ahead of the big game between them on Sunday.
As you may already know, Lionel Messi had quite an influence in the game between Los Culés and Eibar. The Argentine legend scored four goals, which helped him end a four-game streak without a goal. Those four goals represent a new milestone for the Argentine, and a woeful fact for Los Armeros.
4 - Eibar are the only team that Barcelona's Lionel Messi has scored four goals in two different games in all competitions. Poker@FCBarcelona #Barcelona #Messi pic.twitter.com/B6crE0Labk
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) February 22, 2020
Also, Messi became the first player in history to be involved in more than 1,000 goals, according to numerous statistical experts.
Lionel Messi's career stats:
— SPORF (@Sporf) February 22, 2020
853 Games
696 Goals
306 Assists
48 Hat-Tricks
The FIRST EVER player to have 1,000 career goal contributions.
Overtaken @Cristiano for most hat-tricks EVER.
Greatest of all-time. pic.twitter.com/D5keyIwdkj
Real Madrid picked a hell of a moment to show their flaws, as Levante took home all the points thanks to a goal by Jose Luis Morales. Real Madrid was frustrated in front of goal (especially during the first half), and their second loss of the season couldn't have come at a worst time.
Real Madrid have lost in LaLiga for the first time since since October; Levante end Los Blancos' 15-game unbeaten league run.
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 22, 2020
Man City up next... then El Clásico. pic.twitter.com/ECtWKe1cVT
Pichichi race
The one and only Lionel Messi extended his lead as the best striker in La Liga for two reasons: his four-goal performance against Eibar and Karim Benzema's ongoing drought of three games. Those players still in contention for the Pichichi may have to wait for their chance, as they are a good eight goals away from the Argentine.
#Messi is now the outright top scorer in #LaLigaSantander! pic.twitter.com/mrKxIJ9Ilh
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) February 24, 2020
La Liga standings after Matchday 25
The Blaugrana side leapfrogged Real Madrid in the title race, but that was not the only major move in the Spanish top-flight. Atlético is back in third place followng their win against Villarreal, while Mallorca is now in the battle to avoid relegation following Celta's win.
Matchday 25!
— LaLiga English (@LaLigaEN) February 23, 2020
Where is your team in #LaLigaSantander Standings now? pic.twitter.com/sk8H0Jrnl8