Ivan Rakitic believes the test Barcelona were given by Bayer Leverkusen will serve the team well for the future.
Barca had goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen to thank for helping them to a draw in their final Champions League group game, the Catalans having already qualified for the Round of 16 as group winners when they went to Germany.
“It’s always good to have a hard time. It’s good for what’s to come this season,” the midfielder considered after the match, AS reports.
“They played very aggressively and we have to congratulate them. [The match] serves as reinforcement. They started strong and that can help us.”
Rakitic was also asked about his assist for Lionel Messi’s goal, and said it’s generally best to try and find the Argentine.
“I always look for Messi and luckily he got to it and was able to score,” the Croatia international added.
