Barcelona has taken hold of first place in the Spanish league after they defeated Real Madrid by a score of 2-0.

Lionel Messi led the way for Barca at the 56th minute of the game by sending a shot past Real keeper, Casillas.  That was Messi’s 40th goal of the season.

Barcelona has put themselves in a very good position by defeating their rivals at the Barnebeu.  They lead the way with 80 points on the season.

“The fact is that we came to the leader’s stadium and won,” said coach Pep Guardiola, who has led Barcelona to its longest winning streak against Madrid. “We won a very serious game, showing a lot of calm.”

“Barca is superior to Real Madrid, that’s what’s important,” Messi said after scoring his seventh career goal against Madrid. Ronaldo remained scoreless in five meetings. “These are three important points since we’re leaders again.”

The season has not ended yet however, and Real Madrid are still very much in the game.  A faulter by either club in the final stretch of the season can spell disaster.

Cristiano Ronaldo made his return to play on Saturday versus Xerez after serving a two game suspension for an accidental elbow which subsequently broke the nose of the opposing player.

Cristiano Netted two goals in the second half to bring his season tally to 11, which is only five less goals than star rival Lionel Messi.  Messi However, has played many more games than Ronaldo. The season isn’t over, but more likely than not, Cristiano will catch up and surpass Messi in the goal field come the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are concentrating on the Champions League match this Tuesday versus Lyon.

Cristiano Ronaldo was well covered in the 45 minutes that he was on the pitch and managed to create several great opportunities for his team mates. Madrid captain Raul, was the recipient of several ingenious passes from Cristiano, but just fell short of putting the ball past the goaltender.

If yesterday’s friendly against the Rovers was any indication of what the future holds for Real Madrid, it should be a fantastic season for Raul. Ronaldo and Raul seemed to be on the same wavelengths, as far as football positioning goes.

Meanwhile in other news regarding Cristiano Ronaldo. Manchester United coach, Sir Alex Ferguson has publicly stated that he wouldn’t be surprised if Cristiano Ronaldo plays for the Reds again in the future.

“He may come back, you never know,” Ferguson said in Kuala Lumpur where the team is on a pre-season Asian tour.

“He’s the best player in this world by absolutely miles, streets ahead of Lionel Messi and Kaka,” Ferguson said of his former charge.