Ivan Rakitic backs Barcelona for UCL success: ‘A cut above all other teams’

Ivan Rakitic backs Barcelona for UCL success: ‘A cut above all other teams’ Barcelona’s comeback victory against Galatasaray has strengthened the belief that Hansi Flick’s side can challenge for the biggest honours this season, with former midfielder Ivan Rakitic declaring that the Catalans are currently operating above their rivals. Barça recovered from conceding Aleksey Batrakov’s opening goal to score four times against Galatasaray, extending their impressive run of performances to 10 consecutive matches.  The result once again showed their attacking quality and ability to respond when a game does not go according to plan. Rakitic, who spent several successful years at Barcelona, believes the current team have reached a level that makes them particularly difficult to stop. Rakitic explains why Barcelona stand above their rivals The former Croatia international was clear in his assessment of Flick’s team, praising their performances and the quality they have shown in attack. Rakitic has praised Barcelona’s performance under Flick. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images) Rakitic believes Barcelona “are a cut above all other teams” , pointing to the attacking threat that has helped them maintain their winning momentum.  The former midfielder also backed Barcelona to remain formidable opponents if they can maintain their current level, saying that if Flick’s side “carry on in this vein, I think it’s going to be very difficult to beat Barça.” That confidence extends to both La Liga and the Champions League, where Barcelona are looking to turn their strong performances into major silverware. Barcelona warned that mistakes will be punished Despite his praise, Rakitic understands that Barcelona’s European ambitions will not only depend on their attacking output. The Catalan club have gone more than 11 seasons without winning the Champions League, and the former midfielder stressed the fine margins that often decide matches at the highest level.  Barcelona beat Galatasaray after being a goal down. (Photo by Burak Kara/Getty Images) As he explained, “The slightest mistake is clearly punished.” Flick’s side have shown they possess the firepower to trouble elite opposition, but defensive concentration and consistency will remain crucial if they are to end that long wait for another European title. Lastly, Rakitic also reflected on his own time at Barcelona, recalling how the team prioritised the Champions League even after securing domestic honours. “My first two titles were the Copa del Rey and then La Liga, which we didn’t celebrate at all, because we were waiting for the Champions League final. This year, it’s their turn,” he concluded. Source: COPE