After 9.Bxb4 axb4 10.Nb1 Ra8 , followed by ...Ra2, White is under pressure.
By attacking the bishop White gets ready for 2 Qc7, seizing the seventh rank.
1...Qa6 2.Qxa6 Bxa6 3.Rc7 h6 was preferable. White has still managed to seize the seventh rank, but he doesn't win a pawn as in the game.