Ivan Rakitic double sees Barcelona strengthen grip

Barcelona strengthened their position at the top of Champions League Group E as a brace from substitute Ivan Rakitic steered them to a comfortable 2-0 win at BATE Borisov.

After dominating the first half without being able to finish off any of the string of chances they created, the defending champions broke the deadlock in the 48th minute when Rakitic blasted a shot past Syarhey Chernik from Neymar’s tee-up.

The Barca pair then combined again in the 65th minute, Rakitic receiving Neymar’s pass and producing a cool finish to seal the victory.