This just in, Lionel Messi is really good.

Since losing to Real Sociedad (1-0) on Jan. 4, the Argentinian superstar has found the net seven times in the last four games. Barcelona has won all four of those games, including their Week 21 contest against Villarreal, 3-2.

With the score tied 2-2 midway through the game, Messi broke the tie with a goal in the 55th minute of play. That would prove to be the game-winner as Barcelona held on for the victory. This was only the second time all season that goalkeeper Claudio Bravo allowed two goals in a game. The other being a 3-1 loss against Real Madrid in Week 9.

Barcelona now has a 16-2-3 record giving them 50 points. Quietly Messi is catching up to Cristiano Ronaldo for the league lead in goals. Messi now has 22 goals and a league-high 10 assists. For the 15th time this season, Brazilian striker Neymar found the back of the net. Talks of Neymar possibly transferring have certainly quieted down.

Barcelona will face Athletic Bilbao in their next game.

Since Week 10 of this season, Real Madrid has been in first place, and that didn't change this previous weekend. Ronaldo was serving his first of a two game suspension, and the team played very well without him. Real Madrid defeated Real Sociedad 4-1 at home. Colombian World Cup hero James Rodriguez opened things up with a goal in the third minute of play, and Real Madrid never looked back. Karim Benzema would also score two goals in the victory.

With that victory, Real Madrid extended their winning streak to four games and improved their overall record to 17-0-3. This is a critical time for Real Madrid because they are without their superstar Ballon d'Or award winner, and they need others to step up.

Real Madrid will face fourth place Sevilla at home in their next game. That game has been rescheduled for Wednesday because of conflicts with FIFA.

Barcelona and Real Madrid each won their games, but soccer fans can't sleep on the defending champions. Atletico Madrid won their third consecutive game after they took care of business against Eibar. Atletico Madrid escaped with a 3-1 road victory thanks to their two best scorers.

Mario Mandzukic and Antoine Griezmann scored a combined three goals against Eibar in Week 21. Mandzukic and Griezmann now have 21 of the 43 goals scored by Atletico Madrid this season. They may not have the single greatest player on the planet, but a case could be made that these two are the best dynamic duo in the league.

Atletico Madrid will play Real Madrid in the "Madrid Derby" in their next game at home. This upcoming game will have a tremendous impact on the La Liga standings.

The 2014-15 La Liga season is officially 21 weeks complete, and has 17 weeks remaining. Crowning a Spanish league champion still has plenty of time and great memorable soccer moments left for fans. Each and every game left for the top tier teams has to be taken serious, and treated like the last contest.

La Liga Week 21 Standings, Top 5 Teams

1. Real Madrid: 17-0-3, 51 points

2. Barcelona: 16-2-3, 50 points

3. Atletico Madrid: 15-2-4, 47 points

4. Sevilla: 13-3-4, 42 points

5. Valencia: 12-5-3, 41 points

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