Lionel Messi v Cristiano Ronaldo

In the final reckoning, January is likely to prove a pivotal period in the destination of the Primera Division title, and the form of Messi and Barcelona away from Camp Nou could prove to be the deciding factor. A disappointing 1-1 draw in the Catalan derby versus Espanyol at the turn of the year has left Pep Guardiola's side playing catch-up for the full month, and the role of pursuer is proving difficult for them. Messi netted twice to see off a stubborn Betis side at home, then produced his most scintillating display of the month, netting a hat-trick to defeat Malaga 4-1 at La Rosaleda. But the 0-0 stalemate against a Villarreal side much removed from the formidable force of recent years has left Messi and his team-mates seven points behind. The Argentine squandered three clear opportunities to clinch the points for his side, and uncharacteristically came up short when it really mattered. Just as versus Espanyol, he could not provide the spark that his team desperately needed - and it could prove so very costly. While the month has been far from conventional for Ronaldo, his goals and performances have ensured that Madrid, while seemingly incapable of defeating Barcelona, remain far superior to the challenge the rest of La Liga has to offer. The Portuguese had to endure jeers from the terraces from disgruntled supporters demanding more from the world's most expensive player, and the withheld adulation appeared to incite a reaction, when he refused to celebrate his strike in the 5-1 romp of Granada. But he appears to have emerged from the other side, riding the wave of dissent into Madrid's strongest league position since lifting the trophy back in 2008. While not his most prolific period of the season, he still managed to net goals at key times versus Athletic Bilbao and Zaragoza when his team were forced to come from behind. Ronaldo has been prolific in his time in Spain, generally without reward so far, but after a pivotal January, his efforts may eventually provide the elusive silverware he has so desperately craved.