Messi delivers on the big stage whilst Salah falters

Just one goal separated the two forwards going into this weekend's fixtures, with both facing stern tests for their clubs. Only one would come out covered in glory though.

After being reduced to ten men, Messi dazzled the Camp Nou with an emphatic finish in the second half to edge Barcelona ahead of Madrid for the second time in Sunday's 'Clasico'.

'Los Blancos' would eventually hit back through Gareth Bale to share the spoils but it was an electric performance from the Argentine who didn't shy away from the task on hand.

Across the Channel, it wasn't such a positive day for Salah who failed to make an impact as Liverpool lost to Chelsea in a crucial match for Champions League qualification. 

The Egyptian barely had a sniff on goal as the 'Blues' crowded him out of the box with a strong shape and fair physical play.

It is second consecutive match which Salah has failed to find the back of the net and with just one Premier League game remaining, against Brighton, hopes of securing Europe's Golden Boot appear to be fading fast.

For other players in the top ten, Robert Lewandowski, Mauro Icardi, Edinson Cavani, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez enjoyed success in front of goal whilst Harry Kane, Ciro Immobile and Jonas also faltered.

Europe's Golden Boot (06-05-2018)

1.- Lionel Messi (Barcelona, ​​Spain) - 33 goals, 66 points.
2.- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, England) - 31 goals, 62 points.
3.- Ciro Immobile (Lazio, Italy) - 29 goals, 58 ​​points.
4.- Harry Kane (Tottenham, England) - 27 goals, 54 ​​points.
5.- Robert Lewandowski (Bayern, Germany) - 27 goals, 54 points.
6.- Mauro Icardi (Inter, Italy) - 27 goals, 54 points.
7.- Edinson Cavani (PSG, France) - 26 goals, 52 ​​points.
8.- Cristiano Ronaldo (Madrid, Spain) - 25 goals, 50 points.
9.- Jonas (Benfica, Portugal) - 33 goals, 49.5 points.
10.- Luis Suarez (Barcelona, Spain) - 24 goals, 48 points.