Messi hits winner as Barca make it 17 wins in- a-row

BARCELONA marched on to their 17th consecutive victory in all competitions on Sunday, coming from behind to beat Athletic Bilbao 2-1 at the Nou Camp in the Primera Liga.

Ronaldinho scored from the penalty spot in the 36th minute and Argentine forward Leo Messi added the second in the 51st minute after Bilbao, who made like difficult for the champions, had taken an early lead through Fernando Llorente.

Barca had Portugal midfielder Deco sent off in the final minute. The win confirms Barcelona as the runaway leaders in Spain at the halfway point of the season, as they hold the top spot with 46 points, seven ahead of second-placed Osasuna.