Barca go seven clear at top with 17th win
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-01-16 10:23

Alaves are kept at the foot of the table with 15 points on goal difference by Bilbao.

Hector Cuper's Real Mallorca, on 17 points, occupy the third relegation spot after going down 3-1 away to in-form Real Zaragoza.

RONALDINHO PENALTY

Bilbao set their stall out defensively with five across the back but were quick to break when the opportunity arose and took the lead after 15 minutes.

A short corner allowed midfielder Fran Yeste to whip in a cross from the right which Llorente nudged into the far corner with a flicked header.

Barca were rattled and after 21 minutes Bilbao winger Joseba Etxeberria broke clear on a counter but Victor Valdes got down well to his shot.

The pressure from the home side paid off after 36 minutes when defender Fernando Amorebieta handled in the area, and Ronaldinho made no mistake from the spot.

The Catalans stepped up a gear after the break and the second goal arrived in the 51st minute when Mark van Bommel's shot was only parried by Inaki Lafuente and Messi rolled the ball into the empty net.

Van Bommel crashed a shot against the upright soon after but the home side were frustrated by Bilbao.

Tempers flared at the end and Deco over-reacted to Carlos Gurpegi's provocation to see red. Television cameras also caught Samuel Eto'o spitting in the face of Bilbao defender Unai Exposito.