Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi's rivalry continued this week, with both superstars featured in a single match for their respective clubs. Ronaldo had to lead Madrid against Getafe at home, while Barcelona visited Valencia in a tough matchup.

Ronaldo actually did not get off to a great start against Getafe, as the camera caught him complaining about a penalty while Karim Benzema scored a goal for his club. But then something changed, and Ronaldo went from goat to hero.

His first moment of heroism came on a cross from James Rodríguez, which Ronaldo met with his head. But instead of going forward with the ball from no angle at goal, Ronaldo did the unselfish thing. He flicked it back to Gareth Bale, who took time and space to blast it in.

And just like that, Ronaldo had an assist. He would get his own goal minutes later on the counter, collecting a pass from Toni Kroos and firing it in for a 4-0 lead.

But arguably Ronaldo's greatest impact in the game came before his goal. He was dribbling around on the left flank and looking to make a cross. The defender blocked one shot and then another, and the ball fell behind Ronaldo. For a moment he stood there, giving up on the play. But suddenly, he turned around, ran after the ball, went for a tackle and won it back. That was a hungry Ronaldo, one that has rarely been seen all season.

While this game did not match the dominant, stats-laden effort he gave in the Shakhtar game, this was among the best performances from the Portuguese star. Throw in two key passes and two dribbles, rarities these days for Ronaldo, and fans could definitely see vintage Ronaldo.

Messi's game against Valencia was not as big a success. The team wound up with a 1-1 draw, and while Messi got an assist in the tilt, the eventual goal was actually offside. He had four dribbles in the game, but he was not a difference maker in any major respect.

Season Stats

Ronaldo has 17 goals in 19 matches across all competitions, in addition to five assists. He has 10 goals and three assists in Spain, plus seven goals and two assists in five Champions League tilts.

Messi has nine goals and four assists in 14 appearances this season. Only four of the goals and three of the assists came in Spanish League competition.

Calendar Year Stats

Ronaldo has 49 goals in 53 appearances for club and country in 2015. He also has 15 assists. Messi has 48 goals and 25 assists in 57 appearances this calendar year.

Winner

Ronaldo led his team to victory, scored a goal and assisted on another. But he also shot at a better conversion rate than Messi, taking five shots at goal and actually getting two on target. Messi had seven shots at goal, three on target, but not a single goal. Throw in the fact that his assist was the result of poor refereeing and it is clear who the runaway winner is.

Ronaldo now leads the matchup 4-3.