Want Modric to score but Real to lose in CL fil: Barcelo's Rakitic

Barcelo, May 21: Barcelo midfielder Ivan Rakitic wished luck to his Croatian team-mate Luka Modric for Real Madrid’s Champions League fil against Atletico Madrid but hopes the Los Blancos will come out second best. Defending champions Barcelo had to crash out of the semi-fils this time around and they would now have to witness the grand fil on their television sets as their two closest football rivals in La Liga battle it out.

“I have to be honest, I won’t see it — I’ll be with my family. I always wish him the best as a team-mate and friend. I hope he scores five goals in every game but that he doesn’t win!,” Rakitic was quoted as saying by goal.com on Saturday.

Rakitic also praised his compatriot and Barcelo attacking midfielder Alen Halilovic, who has had a promising season on loan with Sporting Gijon.

“I hope it keeps going well for him. He’s had a great year at Sporting and if his team-mates have given him such recognition, I think that’s great,” the 28-year-old said of the 19-year-old.

“He’s obviously been doing well there but he’s pretty young, he has to keep going. Everyone in Croatia can be pretty happy with what he’s doing.” IANS