Andres Iniesta described Barcelona’s win over BATE Borisov as ‘mission accomplished’ and felt good in his return, but lamented Ivan Rakitic’s injury.
Barca brushed off the Belarussians with a Neymar brace and a goal from Luis Suarez but lost Rakitic to a calf injury, with the Croatia international said to be a doubt for the Clasico on November 21.
“Each season has its peculiarities. You can’t stop to think about the problems but think about what you can do, react,” Iniesta said, AS reports, when Barca’s injury crisis was raised, having just returned to fitness himself.
“It’s a shame, the injury to Rakitic. Hopefully it’s as minor as possible. I don’t know the extent of it but hopefully the minimum and he’ll be with us soon.
“I felt very good and very happy, especially having good feelings. As more matches come I will grow.”
The match itself also drew praise from the captain, as Barca inched closer to the next round of the Champions League.
“Mission accomplished, we won and we played a good game. We knew we would have all the initiative and we wanted to create chances and to be sharp,” Iniesta added.
“It was a complete game and leaves us well-placed for qualification in the next game.
“The important thing is to create chances and to play well. Everything flows better from there. With the players we have in attack there will be phases for everyone.”
