WHAT OCCURED? Shortly after making his Barça debut, the 17-year-old scored after replacing Fermin Lopez in the 79th minute of their La Liga match against Athletic Club. Following a superb assist from Joao Felix, Guiu showed tremendous poise to set himself up before slipping the ball past Unai Simon and into the goal. Guiu nearly froze up when speaking to media after the game as Barca hung on for a crucial 1-0 victory that moves them to within one point of arch-rivals Real Madrid at the top of the table.
HOW COME THAT? After replacing Fermin Lopez in the 79th minute of Barcelona’s La Liga match against Athletic Club, the 17-year-old scored just 23 seconds into his Barca debut. Guiu caught a beautiful pSimonass from Joao Felix and shown wonderful poise to position himself before slipping the ball past Unai and into the goal. Guiu was virtually speechless while speaking to media after the game as Barca hung on for a crucial 1-0 victory that moves them to within one point of arch-rivals Real Madrid at the top of the table.
“I can’t believe it, I’m out of breath,” they said. I’m having fun right now. I’ve worked hard my entire life to get this chance, and it worked out perfectly,” he remarked.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: At 17 years and 291 days, Guiu is currently the player to score on his Barcelona debut in the twenty-first century, according to Opta.
After the game, Barca head coach Xavi addressed reporters about the teenager’s influence and his readiness to support players from the renowned La Masia academy: “I personally admire Marc Guiu. I’ve always stated that I have no issues observing players from La Masia. You must place your trust in them. You take the child to the playground when you notice that he is prepared.
“Guiu didn’t appear to be afraid as he sat on the bench. He had the, “Coach, put me on!” expression as he looked at me. When I noticed that he was prepared, I replaced him. He can score goals, as you can tell, and everything went smoothly. I’m overjoyed.
THEN WHAT? Guiu will now try to continue improving with the first team and might get a chance to play on Wednesday when Barca play Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.
