
Ivan Rakitic scored in the first half to help Barcelona win 1-0 at Athletic Bilbao on Sunday for a second straight victory at the start of the Spanish league season. The Croatia midfielder headed in a well-placed cross by Arda Turan to cap a quick attack that broke down Bilbao's high defensive line in the 21st minute. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez were both off-target with a handful of opportunities to seal the victory at San Mames Stadium, but Barcelona's dominant possession game never let Bilbao mount a serious challenge.
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