Ronaldinho's goal cancelled out Fernando Llorente's opener in the first-half before Lionel Messi secured the precious victory early in the second half.

The result maintained Barcelona's position at the top of La Liga table with 46 points, seven points ahead of second-place Osasuna.

Portuguese midfielder Deco received his marching orders in the additional time after assaulting Bilbao's Carlos Gurpegi off the play

Llorente gave Bilbao a shocking lead in the 15th minute when he met Francisco Yeste's low cross with a brilliant backward header into the back of the net.

Ronaldinho leveled the score in the 37th minute from the penalty spot after his left-flank cross went off a Bilbao defender's arm.

Argentinean teenager Messi put the Catalan giants ahead five minutes after re-start as he scored on the rebound after Mark Van Bommel's initial effort was blocked by Bilbao keeper Inaki Lafuente.

Earlier on Sunday, Deportivo Alaves beat Deportivo La Crouna 2-0, Getafe held to a 1-1 draw with Celta Vigo, Cadiz edged Malaga 2-0 and Racing Santander defeated Villarreal 1-0.

Espanyol cruised past Real Sociedad 1-0 and Real Zaragoza beat Mallorca 3-1.