Rakitic 71st-minute strike gave Barcelona a much needed 1-0 win over Bilbao as they move top ahead of Real Madrid, MySportDab reports.
First Half Report
Barca coming from their disappointing draw with Sevilla was eager to get back on top of the league board.
Lionel Messi almost pulled one in with few minutes gone in the match but his effort was saved.
Inaki Williams also got a close chance to score for Bilbao but he played it wide instead of converting.
Barca applied more pressure with the likes of Messi and Griezmann troubling the away side defense.
Nothing much was seen by both teams in the first 45 minutes as they were unable to get themselves ahead.
Second Half Report
The other 45 minutes was a different ball game as both sides kept going at each other for the win.
Lionel Messi 1-2 play with Luis Suarez didn’t go far as Bilbao’s goalkeeper was up to the task with a tremendous save.
Antoine Griezmann found himself in a great scoring position but Unai Simon denied him with a great save.
Barcelona continued to press further and further but thanks to the defense and on form Unai who kept them alive.
But it didn’t last long before Ivan Rakitic gave Barca the well deserved lead in the 71st minute.
Assist from Messi ensured 
