The perennial battle between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi hit fever as the two superstars collided on the pitch in the hotly-anticipated Clasico this past weekend.

It was a big week for the two superstars and could determine how the season for their respective teams would end.

But even before the two got to take one another down head-to-head, the two players had other big games to attend to.

Messi and Barcelona needed to bounce back from a loss against Paris Saint-Germain in the second matchday of the Champions League. Hosting Ajax Amsterdam seemed like the right antidote.

And it was.

Messi had a terrific game against the Dutch side. He scored a goal, which tied him with Ronaldo for the second-most Champions League tallies scored and brought him within two of Raul's legendary record. Moreover, he provided a crucial assist on Xavi's goal while completing over 83 percent of his passes on only 47 touches. He exited the match early to prep for the Clasico.

The next day, Ronaldo had the titanic task of overcoming some demons. While a member of Manchester United, he struggled against Liverpool and had never scored at Ansfield. For him, this game was not only about getting Madrid three crucial points, but also vindicating himself.

And that he did.

Ronaldo scored the opener -- and eventual game winner -- off a beautiful volley. He dished off to James Rodriguez and made a run behind Liverpool's defenders. Rodriguez chipped the ball right to Ronaldo and his first touch was a terrific hit to the opposing corner. He could have had more and it was rather uncharacteristic that Ronaldo was starting to miss some chances. At other times, he seemed too content to pass to teammates when he would usually shoot. Could it be that Ronaldo is getting bored of scoring and wants to rack up some assists as well?

He finished with 76 touches and completed 85 percent of his passes, emphasizing his influence on that match.

But the Clasico would be the determining factor. And it was.

Early on in the match, it looked like Messi was poised to break the record for most goals in the Spanish League. His team was off and running with an early 1-0 lead. He was playing tremendously with the midfield trio of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets. And he even had a big chance to put the second goal away.

But he was stopped by Iker Casillas. And that turned out to be a major turning point in the match in more ways than one.

After that point, Messi was a non-entity in the match.

After that, Madrid's defense looked poised and stalwart.

After that, Madrid would start to look confident. As if it was their night. As if they were the team of destiny.

Granted, Madrid played well the entire game. But once Messi's head was out of the game, the dominance exerted by Los Blancos was overwhelming.

First, Gerard Pique gifted a penalty. Then Ronaldo got his big moment to not only tie the score, but end goalie Claudio Bravo's aura of invincibility. He did not fail from the spot. Now, Ronaldo has 16 goals in eight Spanish League tilts. He is on pace for 74 goals in the season. And he did not even have his best game.

But that does not imply that Ronaldo was not terrific. He was a catalyst on the third goal when he received a glorious pass from Isco. He could have run at the defense and taken the scoring chance himself. Instead, he unselfishly dished off to Rodriguez, who put it through for Benzema for the finish. Ronaldo was seen passing a lot in this one, as well, as if he were trying to prove that he also could be a playmaker. The interesting thing is that while he is not as polished as Messi in that respect, he is quite good at it as well.

Winner

This one is not even close. Ronaldo won two games, Messi won one. Ronaldo scored in both games and was a major force in deciding the outcomes for his teams.

Messi was not a factor in the most important of matches.

And now, Ronaldo is starting to runaway with a 5-2 lead.

FOR MORE SOCCER NEWS, CLICK ON THIS LINK TO VISIT LATIN POST.COM'S SPORTS PAGE