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Following Mandžukić and Modrić

Rakitić conquers
Europe: "I hope this
doesn't stop"

07.06.2015.
Rakitić conquers Europe: "I hope this doesn't stop"
photo by: Mario Ćužić
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Croatia international Ivan Rakitić is the third consecutive Croatian with the Champions League trophy, after Mario Mandžukić and Luka Modrić.

In 2015 Berlin final, Ivan Rakitić opened the scoring for Barcelona against Juventus, and celebrated 3:1 victory to lift yet another European trophy, after winning the Europa League last season as the Sevilla captain.

Rakitić was in the starting lineup of the Barcelona - Juventus encounter, and was substituted in the first minute of added time. In his first season at Barcelona, we won the "triplet" - Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey.

Rakitić thus joined Luka Modrić, who conquered Europe last year with Real Madrid making a key assist against Atletico Madrid in the final (4:1), and Mario Mandžukić, who found the net when his Bayern Munich defeated Borussia Dortmund (2:1) two seasons ago.

Croatian run of having a representative in the Champions League finals was also prolonged to the fourth season, since Ivica Olić played in 2012 final, when Olić's and Pranjić's Bayern lost to Chelsea on penalties.

foto: Mario Ćužić

"That was probably the most important goal of my career. All the emotions came out. I hope this doesn't stop, there will be more titles to win next season. I dedicate this win to my wife and daughter, who I love very much", said Rakitić.

foto: Mario Ćužić

"We played a great game and we deserved the win for all the work we have put in over the season. I would also like to congratulate Juventus, because they put in a good performance too. I am happy to have helped the team, because it is difficult to come to a side like Barcelona and secure your place in the first team", he concluded.

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