Topik: UEFA Champions League, BATE Borisov, FC Barcelona, Ivan Rakitic
The Croatian midfielder came in for Sergio Busquets during the first half of the match, emerging as today's hero for Los Culés with a game-winning brace.

Barcelona keeps on trucking, despite the absence of Lionel Messi. Today, an unsung hero came from the bench to lead a struggling Blaugrana side to defeat BATE Borisov, and that hero was the one and only Ivan Rakitic. Scoring his first brace in almost two year, the Croatian midfielder who had started the game in the dugout kept Barcelona's chances intact in the European tournament.

After a first half that gave the home team some hope, Rakitic scored his first goal three minutes into the second half putting to good use an assist by Neymar. Rakitic drilled his right-footed shot into the top hand corner of Chernik's net, giving Luis Enrique's side some room to breathe. Minutes later, both players teamed up again to give Barcelona the chance to add three points to their tally, despite showing a shaky display in the first 45 minutes. Rakitic's finish was top-notch, flicking the ball with a little lob inside BATE's net.

When the game ended, Rakitic confirmed he dedicated his goals to his pregnant wife.

Rakitic became the third Barcelona player to come from the bench and score a brace. The other two were Lionel Messi, back in 2008, and Cristian Tello, who accomplished the feat in 2012.

Here's how fans saw today's match that ended with Barcelona's victory.

"Breakdown of Barcelona's last 29 goals in the UCL: MSN attack 25, Rakitic 3(including today's brace) and one by Sergi Roberto "

"Rakitic loves playing the UCL. It's the tournament where he plays his best."