Ronaldo, Messi on 41

MADRID - Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi took their La Liga goals tally this season to a record-breaking 41 each on Saturday.

First Ronaldo broke his own mark of last season by scoring in the 3-1 come-from-behind victory over Sporting Gijon.

Later on in the day Messi grabbed a brace as Barcelona also hit back from a goal down to defeat Levante 2-1 as the champions stayed four points behind Real, with the mouthwatering, season-defining El Clasico at the weekend.

On a night of landmarks, Real's third goal was their 107th of La Liga this season.

It puts them level with John Toshack's Real Madrid team of the 1989-90 season, with Jose Mourinho's side still with five matches to play.

"The records come as a result of the work of all the players who have given so much and deserve to be champions," said Real assistant coach Aitor Karanka. "Those who say Jose Mourinho is a defensive coach just need to look at these statistics."

Levante, meanwhile, went ahead against Barcelona from a 23rd-minute penalty converted by Jose Barkero.

But Messi then hit a second-half brace with his second goal from the penalty spot after a foul by Pedro Botelho on Juan Cuenca, drawing him level with his great Portuguese rival Ronaldo on 41 league goals.

"This result is important in lifting us for the coming match in London and then the Madrid game," said Barca coach Pep Guardiola, with his side facing Chelsea in the Champions League semifinal on Wednesday.

"Now we are going to think about the Chelsea match and then Madrid, which will be a very hard game.

We have won the last three titles, but if they win this time then that will be that."