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Two of football’s current greatest protagonists are always in contention for most awards especially those that commemorate the best players over the course of a season. The two came face to face again for the UEFA Best Player award with Luis Suarez as the third wheel. This time the Argentine won, by a massive margin as well – 49 votes in his favour, the highest ever, while the Portuguese forward only managed 2 votes, less than even Luis Suarez who had 3.
The Barcelona man managed to get another one over his Real Madrid footballing rival as he photobombed Ronaldo during the ceremony. The Portuguese didn’t take his opportunity though when he appeared in the background on stage while Messi received his award. While the UEFA Best Player 2015 isn’t really known for his jest, he ended up pulling off quite a funny photobomb, possibly unintentionally.
The rivalry
The duo are not known for their very cordial relationship. They’re civil to each other and have denied a head-to-head competition of sorts on a number of occasions but the extraordinary numbers they generate simply pits them against each other in several quarters.
Their rivalry is more about who can better the other and by how much rather than a physical face-off. It’s a battle that has seen Messi win out in some areas while Ronaldo has dominated others. This time though Messi got the better of his opponent not just with the award but snatching brownie points for the funny face at the awards too.
Champions League Draw
The Best Player award was preceded by the Champions League group stage draw. Barcelona made it to Pot 1 by the virtue of being the defending champions in the competition while Real Madrid were in pot 2 despite leading the UEFA rankings based on coefficients as the rules have been changed this time around to accommodate the champions of the top 7 leagues in the first Pot.
Los Galacticos were placed in Group A along with French champions Paris Saint-Germain, they are joined by Shakhtar Donetsk and Malmo. It’s a group they will be expected to progress from with ease despite the challenge that will be posed by their opposition. The onus will be on Rafael Benitez to pick the right balance for his side to go out and perform to what's expected of them.
The Blaugrana make up Group E along with the German club Bayer Leverkusen, Roma, and Bate Borisov. It’s not a draw that will particularly bother the champions but it might give them a few challenges. The trio of Messi Suarez and Neymar is yet to feature together for Luis Enrique this season after having wreaked havoc for most of last season but they are expected to be re-united soon as Neymar is well again and back in training.
