Inspired by the brilliance of Cristiano Ronaldo, Real closed to within two points of leaders Barcelona at the top of the Spanish Primera Liga.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

The Spanish Primera Liga season starts on August 29 with Real bidding to wrest the title back from Barcelona, who completed a memorable treble last term.

CNN: Real Madrid say spending over after Alonso deal

Manchester United are the champions of England, Barcelona are the champions of Spain and, by common consensus, the English Premier League and Spanish Primera Liga are the two most glamorous leagues in European football.

CNN: Royalty to attend Champions League final

The 22-year-old Spanish international collapsed after jogging back towards his own goal 35 minutes into the Primera Liga match against Getafe.

CNN: Sevilla star dies after collapse

Of his 50 goals this season, Messi has scored 30 in the Primera Liga, meaning he still trails Cristiano Ronaldo by two goals in the Spanish golden boot standings.

CNN: Messi reaches 50 goals in Barca win