Rakitic rescues Barcelona against resolute Athletic

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David Awopetu

Ivan Rakitic came to Barcelona’s rescue as the substitute fired Quique Setien’s side to a 1-0 win over Athletic Bilbao.

All eyes were on Lionel Messi, chasing his 700th career goal, but he had to settle for an assist to Rakitic’s 71st-minute strike that lifted Barcelona back above Real Madrid.

It was a series of second-half substitutes from Quique Setien that changed the tide at Camp Nou with Riqui Puig adding a verve and drive that was lacking as the Catalan side laboured to break down a well-drilled Athletic Club.

The goal was scored in the 71st minute with Rakitic getting on the scoresheet for the first time all season, latching on to a loose ball from a Messi assist to fire past Unai Simon.

Luis Suarez suddenly looked energised and saw a thumping shot deflect over for a corner. The ineffective Griezmann had already made way, his drought now up to seven league games.

Then came the moment when Messi should have completed another century of goals, but the landmark will have to wait.

He threatened to steal the headlines in the closing minutes when he darted in from the right flank, the ball on his left foot, and took aim for the far corner.

It is a goal that Messi has scored so many times in his career, but this time the fierce shot flew wide of the left upright. Ansu Fati, meanwhile, hit the right post from close range in stoppage time.

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