In the English top-flight, it was absolutely goals galore. In total, there were 42 scored across Saturday and Sunday - with such a number falling just one short of the all-time Premier League record that was set back in February 2011.
Obviously, the most eye-catching result - and controversy, of course - was at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea emphatically dispatched of 10-man Arsenal in a six-goal romp. Title rivals Liverpool also notched six at Cardiff, with the relegation candidates managing to hit three in reply.
There were also big scores at the Etihad Stadium and Villa Park, as Manchester City smashed their way to a 5-0 win over Fulham thanks to a hat-trick from Yaya Toure and Stoke cruised to a surprisingly impressive 4-1 win over Aston Villa.
All of that captivating action provided the perfect prelude to Sunday night's 'El Clasico' at the Santiago Bernabeu, as a hat-trick from Lionel Messi assured Barcelona of a quite thrilling 4-3 victory over fierce rivals Real Madrid which kept their chances of retaining their La Liga title very much alive.
Such an exciting weekend both domestically and in the Clasico inspired me to pick two respective XIs - one from the Premier League and one comprising of the very best talents that Real Madrid/Barcelona have to offer.Here, you can see those XIs as we also pit players against each other and, in each, case make a decision on who holds the edge.
With one point awarded for one player being superior to their rival, the team with the most points by the time we finish this will be declared the winner
GK: David de Gea v Victor Valdes
Who wins?You may disagree, but we're opting for De Gea here.
While Spanish compatriot Valdes may have the edge in terms of experience and silverware, we are confident that the Red Devils 'keeper will go on to be far better.
RB: Branislav Ivanovic v Dani Alves
Who wins?
Again, this is perhaps not going to please everyone - but we're going to have to go for Ivanovic and extend the Premier League's advantage.
Although Alves has been a consistent and ever-present figure for Barcelona, his powers have been slightly on the wane of late while Ivanovic enjoys a growing reputation as one of Europe's most formidable and solid defenders.
CB: Vincent Kompany v Pepe
Who wins?This isn't a tough one, either - Kompany.
While he has experienced niggling injury worries that have threatened to de-rail City's title bid on more than one occasion so far this season, he still exudes confidence, composure and ability.
CB: Laurent Koscielny v Gerard Pique
Who wins?The toughest selection so far, in our opinion. Koscielny has really impressed at times this year and partner Per Mertesacker could just as easily have merited inclusion.
However, we're just going to give the edge to Pique here as he continues to marshall the Barcelona defence in the absence of a proper central-defensive ally. El Clasico XI are on the board, folks...
LB: Leighton Baines v Jordi Alba
Who wins?As huge long-term admirers of the affable Baines, it pains us to do it but we are going to give the edge to the pacy and dynamic Alba.
RW: David Silva v Cristiano Ronaldo
Who wins?Silva is a wonderful talent and it is certainly a pleasure to see him ply his trade in the Premier League on a weekly basis.
However, we have to go with Ronaldo, who has just been utterly phenomenal this season.
CM: Yaya Toure v Xavi
Who wins?There will probably never be another midfielder quite like pass-master Xavi, but there is no denying that he may now be slightly beyond his best.
Former teammate Toure, meanwhile, is at the height of his powers and has scored some truly stunning goals this season. We give him the edge here, with the Premier League going in front once more.
CM: Eden Hazard v Luka Modric
Who wins?We are cheating ever-so-slightly again here, with Hazard obviously typically playing far further forward than Modric.
While the importance of the two players to their respective teams is similar, Hazard is a special player who could, with the help of an improved goalscoring touch, go on to become one of the very best in the world
LM: Adam Lallana v Gareth Bale
Who wins?Despite Lallana's stellar showings, he doesn't quite compete on the same level as the talismanic Welshman.
Bale may have had a relatively quiet game against Barcelona on Sunday night, yet there is no doubting his capabilities and he has connected very well indeed with Ronaldo and Karim Benzema in attack.
Bale it is.
ST: Luis Suarez v Lionel Messi
Who wins?Suarez's sensational form this season would not see him lose many comparisons of this nature, but Messi is one of these few exceptions.
If Barcelona are to put a shaky period behind them and fully challenge Real and Diego Simeone's Atletico for the La Liga title, then they will need their most-prized asset to be at his very best heading into the final straight.
ST: Wayne Rooney v Karim Benzema
Who wins?With the scores tied at 5-5, this is the all-important clash - one not made any easier by the fact that both men notched a brace during this weekend's action.
However, all things considered, we are going to go with Rooney who has shown more consistency over the years than Benzema.
FINAL SCORE:
PREMIER LEAGUE XI 6-5 EL CLASICO XI
The slightest of victories for the Premier League XI.
Agree or disagree? Leave your comments below...
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