Ivan Rakitic scored the first goal of the UEFA Champions League final after a wonderful team effort from Barcelona. Just after four minutes of playing time, the Croatian midfielder netted the ball following a wonderful pass by Andrés Iniesta.
Rakitic became the fifth Balcanic player to score in a UEFA Champions League/European Champions Cup final. The four previous players to score were Vasovic, Savicevic, Mijatovic and Mandzukic. Furthermore, the Croatian scored the fourth fastest goal in Champions League history, following those of Paolo Maldini, Enrique Mateos and Spanish player Gaizka Mendieta.
Stat: 3:23 – Rakitic scores @FCBarcelona's fastest goal in a European Final. #FCBLive
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 6, 2015
16 - There were 16 passes in the build-up to Ivan Rakitic's opening goal tonight. Teamwork. pic.twitter.com/mGE1mQypWg
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 6, 2015
Rakitic scored at his jersey's number
— Zoborodo (@Chopsy__) June 6, 2015
Rakitic goal was the first Barcelona goal from open play without a Messi, Suárez or Neymar goal/assist since Feb. 28. pic.twitter.com/Mp4zBViJQ6
— 8 Fact Football (@8Fact_Footballl) June 6, 2015
"No footballer has played and won Europa League and Champions League finals with different teams in consecutive years: Rakitic seems determined to be the first"
Nadie ha jugado y ganado finales de Copa UEFA y Copa Europa en años seguidos y con equipos distintos: Rakitic se está empeñando en ser el 1º
— MisterChip (Alexis) (@2010MisterChip) June 6, 2015
BARCAAAA! yes Rakitic! and yes CROATIA!
— Joe Sugg (@Joe_Sugg) June 6, 2015 
