The Argentinean was 12 goals behind Ronaldo in week 15, but has outscored the Madrid player since the turn of the year.

Leo Messi has drawn level with Cristiano Ronaldo at the head of the Spanish League goal scorers table with his hat trick against Rayo Vallecano. Messi has now scored 30 goals and is on course for his fourth Pichichi title.

Messi’s 15 goals since the turn of the year - including the record breaking hat tricks against Deportivo, Levante and Rayo and his two goals against Elche have pulled him level with Ronaldo, after starting 2015 11 goals behind the Madrid man, who’s managed just four in that time.

Neymar is third in the goalscorers table with 17, ahead of Griezmann (Atlètico de Madrid) and Bacca(Sevilla), who have both scored 14.

RECENT TOP SCORERS	PLAYER	TEAM	GOALS
2004/05	Forlán	Villareal	25
2005/06	Eto'o	Barça	26
2006/07	Van Nistelrooy	Madrid	25
2007/08	Güiza	Mallorca	27
2008/09	Forlán	Villarreal	32
2009/10	Messi	Barça	34
2010/11	Ronaldo	Madrid	41
2011/12	Messi	Barça	50
2012/13	Messi	Barça	45
2013/14	Ronaldo	Madrid	31