As you know, yesterday, “Barcelona” defeated “Athletic” Bilbao at home with a minimal difference (1: 0) and temporarily moved to the first place in the La Liga table again.
Barcablaugranes.com offers five facts from yesterday’s match:
1. Hero of the match – Ivan Rakitic
While the fans of “Blaugrana” were enjoying the game of Ansu Fati and Ricky Pucci, the experienced hero of the match, Ivan Rakitic, appeared. The Croatian got involved in the game from the bench and gave the team 3 points.
After the match, Ivan admitted that he was very angry with the fact that it was too late to score his debut goal of the season but better late than never.
2. Ricky Pucci needs more time
Although neither Ricky’s goal nor the assist was scored, his appearance on the pitch was decisive. The Spaniard replaced Arthur in the 55th minute, and after that, Barça’s attacks became much more intense.
It is known that neither Busquets nor De Jong will help the team with “Celta,” so Pucci will be given another chance.
3. A difficult night for Arthur
In the match against “Athletics,” Arthur left the worst impression of “Barca” midfielders. After the second half started, he was pulled out of the field in 10 minutes, and the Catalans started playing.
Quique Setien said that the rumors about the transfer to “Juventus” have a terrible effect on the Brazilian. It seems that he still wants to stay at Camp Nou, but Arthur’s faith is gradually shaking.
4. Messi scored his 250th assist
Leo could not reach the 700-goal mark with “Bilbao,” but he still set another record. According to Opta, the Assist for Ivan Rakitic was the 250th in Messi’s career.
The captain played 90 minutes again, so let’s not rule out that he will be allowed to rest with Celta.
5. Ter Stegen’s dry series continues
Athletics had a few moments yesterday, but overall, Blaugrana’s defensive line played a normal match.
Interestingly, this is the fifth match in a row in La Liga, in which Ter Stegen keeps Barça’s goal post dry. The result was a record for Blaugrana’s goalkeeper, Marc Andre Ter Stegen.