Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo initiated their 2016 campaign with two crucial games.

Barcelona was first up on the 2016 slate in a tilt with crosstown rival Espanyol. It was an opportunity for Barcelona to continue extending its lead on the Spanish League title and the team simply could not continue its ascent, drawing 0-0.

Messi was shut out for the eighth game this season, picking up neither or a goal or an assist for Blaugrana. He hit the woodworks on one occasion, but this was far from a vintage performance. Despite averaging 5.4 dribbles per game this season, Messi was held to just four on this night, mapping out just how ineffective he was offensively. He had four shots on goal, also below his season average of 5.3, and had just one key pass (he has an average of two per game this year).

With Barcelona forfeiting two of three points, Ronaldo had a chance to lead Madrid to within three points of its rivals, assuming Barcelona won its game in hand. But Ronaldo was unable to do what he did the other night against Real Sociedad and inspire the team to victory.

That said he did have his moment of magic.

Ronaldo made the final pass of a brilliant play executed between him, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale.

It was Ronaldo's first assist of 2016 and his eighth assist of 2015-16. The rest of Ronaldo's game was not particularly inspiring. He only had two shots at goal, but none on target. He did have four key passes in the match, creating necessary opportunities for his teammates to create goals.

Season Stats

Ronaldo now has 25 goals and eight assists in 24 matches for Real Madrid in 2015-16. Of those goals, 14 goals and five assists have come in La Liga; the remaining 11 goals have come in the Champions League. He is on pace for 29 goals this season in the domestic league.

Messi has 13 goals and five assists in 19 appearances for Barcelona this season. He only has six goals and four assists in La Liga across 12 matches and is on pace for a woeful 16 goals and 11 assists (by his standards).

Calendar Year Stats

Ronaldo has one assist while Messi has no goals or helpers in 2016.

Winner: Neither player had banner games this weekend but it must be said that Ronaldo was crucial in helping Madrid game in its draw while Messi wound up completely shut out of his match altogether.

Ronaldo is now up 7-4 in this tie.

Next Up: Messi and Barcelona take on Granada on Saturday Jan. 9 while Real Madrid and Ronaldo host Deportivo La Coruna that same day.