Rakitic brace helps Barca ease past Bate 2-0 in CL clash

London, Oct.21 (ANI): Barcelona strengthened their position at the top of their Champions League group after claiming a comfortable 2-0 win over Bate Borisov, thanks to Ivan Rakitic double strikes.

Rakitic, an 18th- minute substitute, put the Catalan giants ahead after being set up by Neymar shortly after the break.

Neymar provided the second assist also as the Croatian midfielder doubled the lead after 64 minutes with a clinical finish.

Barcelona were playing the match in the absence of the injured Lionel Messi.

With the win, Barca have seven points from three games, while Bate have three in Group E. (ANI)