Barcelona handed Real Madrid their first competitive loss of the season with a superb display. Outstanding performances from Lionel Messi and Xavi enabled Barcelona to trash Real Madrid by 5 goals. The final 5-0 score did not even flatter Barcelona, who played in a whole different class compared to the sluggish Real Madrid.

Xavi got Barcelona off to a great start by luckily finishing of a laser pass from Lionel Messi. A few minutes later, David Villa easily maneuvered around Sergio Ramos before playing a grounded cross to Pedro who made no mistake from a few meters out. Barcelona was cruising with a deserved two goal lead not even 20 minutes into the match!

The Real Madrid players were clearly frustrated and dazzled by the brilliance of the Barcelona on this day. Minutes into the second half, David Villa bagged his first goal. It did not take long for him to get his second after a legendary pass from Lionel Messi.

The debacle came to an end for Real Madrid a few minutes from time when the youngster, Jeffren, bagged the fifth goal of the match.

An ugly scene at the end of the match saw the disappointing Sergio Ramos receive his marching orders. With the victor, Barcelona has overtaken first place in La Liga with a two point cushion.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid are confident in getting a result against the Catalan giants.

Ronaldo told reporters, “Barcelona is still a very difficult team. Barca is a very strong team, especially when they play at home. They are there to fight for the league title. We know they are playing at a good level and for this reason it will be an important and beautiful game. May the best team win. And the best team will be Madrid. We have one point more, we are playing away but we are going with the intention of getting a result. It is not a final because there are still many matches left.”

Cristiano also described the different playing styles of the two teams. “The two teams are very good, they are very close but with a distinct playing style. Barca use more ‘tiqui-taca’, we play more with the goal of going as far as possible as quickly as possible.”

Cristiano Ronaldo is hoping the more direct approach of Real Madrid will successfully counter the slow possession build up play from Barcelona.

Cristiano Ronaldo found the back of the net twice in tonight’s Champions League match against Ajax in Amsterdam. Ronaldo was unlucky early as he cleverly beat one defender, only to be denied by the brilliance of the Ajax keeper.

Shortly after, Cristiano Ronaldo found the back of the net. He added another later after Mesut Ozil went down in the penalty area.

Karim Benzema got Real Madrid off to a great start after a legendary pass from Mesud Ozil. Arbeloa added the second before Ronaldo put the match away.

Both Xabi Alonso and Sergio Ramos received their marching orders late after picking up their second yellows.

With the win, Real Madrid has guaranteed themselves a first place finish in their group.

Real Madrid have continued their near perfect season with the 5-1 demolition of Athletic Bilbao. Cristiano Ronaldo bagged three goals to extend his La Liga goal tally to 14 goals in 12 games. Other goals were scored by Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Ramos.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored one goal from open play, another from a blasted free-kick and the last from the penalty spot.

Real are in European action on Wednesday for their Champions League group match against Ajax. Manager Jose Mourinho may choose to rest players with his side holding a five-point lead in their group.

Real Madrid dropped points today in a goal-less draw with Levante. The newly promoted team was able to keep Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid off the score-sheet.

Cristiano Ronaldo had a few chances but the Levante keeper was up to the challange.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the winner in Real Madrid’s 2-1 win over Real Sociedad. Ronaldo looked dangerous all match and was rewarded with a goal after his freekick took a slight deflection off Pepe and landed in the back of the net.

Angel Di Maria started the scoring with a beautiful strike from outside of the box. Raul Tamudo tied the match before Cristiano Ronaldo’s freekick decided the match. Real Madrid are undefeated in La Liga.

Following a poor run of results with Portugal and a lengthy six month ban, Carlos Queiroz has been relieved of his duties as manager of Portugal.

Portugal will be looking for a new manager to rejuvenate their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign. Rumor has it that Jose Mourinho and Diego Maradona are being considered as possible replacements.