Cristiano Ronaldo has made a habit of defying his critics and will try to do so again by leading Real Madrid one step closer to the Spanish title on Sunday against bitter rivals Barcelona.

Lionel Messi requires two more goals to reach 500 for Barcelona and will have his sights set on achieving the milestone against great rivals Real Madrid in Sunday's Clasico.

Lionel Messi kept Barcelona's title hopes alive with two goals and an assist to see off Real Sociedad 3-2 as Spain's top two edged five-goal thrillers ahead of next weekend's El Clasico.

Real Madrid can open a nine-point lead over bitter rivals Barcelona at the top of La Liga by winning Saturday's 'Clasico' at the Nou Camp.

Despite being former midfield heroes for the clubs they now manage, Barcelona coach Luis Enrique and his Real Madrid counterpart Zinedine Zidane are afforded little credit for their achievements in management.

Saturday's blockbuster La Liga clash between Barcelona and Real Madrid will be preceded by a minute's silence for the 71 people killed in a plane crash that decimated the Brazilian football team Chapecoense.

Barcelona star Neymar said he doesn't fear passionate Real Madrid fans at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu for the Saturday's El Clasico.

For this weekend, Neymar and Suarez must prove Barcelona can win El Clasico without the rivalry's all-time top scorer Lionel Messi.

Barcelona star Lionel Messi takes part in the first training session of Clasico week, raising hopes he could be set for a timely return at the Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday.

Luis Enrique says Lionel Messi's recovery is proceeding as expected but offered no update on when the Barcelona forward is expected to return to action.

Maradona was chosen number 1 in The Greatest 10 World Cup players of all time by the London-based newspaper The Times. On his 55th birthday, discover the life of Diego Maradona, the footballer as he carved out a special place for himself with his unique talent and skills.

Barcelona were held to a scoreless draw by third-tier Villanovense on Wednesday in a disappointing start to the Copa del Rey for the defending champion.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has responded angrily to reports suggesting Lionel Messi will leave the club, insisting that the reports are "embarrassing".

Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas has labelled Barcelona star Lionel Messi the opponent he has had the most difficulty facing.

Lionel Messi posted a cryptic Instagram message on Friday as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.