Video: Ivan Rakitic fires Barca in front against Athletic Bilbao

By Our Reporter On Jun 23, 2020 0

Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic came off the bench to fire them into a vital 1-0 lead at home to rivals Athletic Bilbao

Quique Setien’s side have struggled to break down a resolute defensive performance from the visitors, with Inaki Willams and Yeray Alvarez having the best chances of the opening 45 minutes.

La Blaugrana improved after the break, with Athletic goal keeper Unai Simon showing great anticipation to block Antoine Griezmann’s effort on 55 minutes.

Setien opted to bring on Riqui Puig, Ansu Fati and Rakitic to try and force the issue for the Catalan side in the closing stages.

The three substitutes all played a key role in edging Barcelona into the ascendancy.

🔴🔵 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗮 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗱!

👉 Substitute Ivan Rakitić scores his 50th LaLiga goal to put Barcelona 1-0 up at the Camp Nou!#BarcaAthletic #BackToWin pic.twitter.com/OV9zsPXdGV

— Premier Sports 📺 (@PremierSportsTV) June 23, 2020

With Bilbao working hard to shut the door in the hosts faces, Rakitic arrived into the box on 72 minutes, and calmly slotted home, as Lionel Messi’s shot deflected into his path.

The Catalans held on to return to winning ways, A result that saw them move back above Real Madrid at the top of the table, with Zinedine Zidane’s side in action against Real Mallorca tomorrow.