Rakitic handed first Champions League start of the season vs. Dortmund
Arthur was left on the bench with the Croatian brought into the side
Ernesto Valverde handed Ivan Rakitic his first start in the Champions League this season and just his second start of the campaign.
The Barcelona coach opted for a midfield of Sergio Busquets, Frenkie de Jong and Ivan Rakitic for the European game against Borussia Dortmund, with Arthur Melo left on the bench.
Rakitic recently said that he was sad about his situation at Barça because "the ball has been taken away" from him. He is open to a January exit.
Elsewhere, Ousmane Dembele was selected ahead of Antoine Griezmann in attack alongside Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi. The France international will have the chance to face his former team.
Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Lenglet, Umtiti, Junior, Busquets, De Jong, Rakitic, Messi, Suarez, Dembele.
Borussia Dortmund: Bürki; Piszczek, Hummels, Akanji, Schulz; Witsel, Weigl; Hakimi, Brandt, Guerreiro; Reus.
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