Sunday, January 15, 2006

Great victory over Bilbao

Barcelona got their 17th consecutive win in all competitions on Sunday, coming from behind to defeat Athletic Bilbao 2-1 at home in the Primera Liga.

Ronaldinho shot a penalty kick to make the first in the 36th minute and Argentine forward Leo Messi added the second in the 51st minute.

Bilbao, who made like hard for the blaugranas, took a 16th minute lead through Fernando Llorente but Ronaldinho equalized from the spot after Amorebieta handled.

It was the Ronaldinho's 11th goal of this season and fifth from the spot.

Messi's goal came when he followed up to steer the ball home after goalkeeper Inaki Lafuente had parried a volley from Mark van Bommel.

As we know, Barcelona had Deco sent off in the final minute after he clashed with Carlos Gurpegi. As tempers frayed Deco continued to protest after being shown the red card and Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard had to escort him off the pitch.

This victory confirms Barcelona as the runaway leaders in Spain at the halfway point of the season, as they are in the top spot with 46 points, seven ahead of second-placed Osasuna.

The Navarrans fell 2-0 away at Valencia on Saturday, who look like the side currently most likely to mount a challenge despite being 10 points adrift.