Barcelona’s Marc Guiu made history by scoring the winning goal just 33 seconds into his senior debut, securing a 1-0 victory at home against Athletic Bilbao.
This remarkable achievement establishes the 17-year-old Spanish forward as the quickest player in Barcelona’s history to score their first league goal.
Guiu entered the match in the 79th minute, replacing fellow young talent Fermin Lopez, and wasted no time in making an impact. His goal not only marked a personal milestone but also propelled Barcelona to a crucial win, bringing them within a single point of league leaders Real Madrid, whom they are set to face in their next match.
Barcelona’s manager, Xavi, praised Guiu’s fearlessness, stating, “I told him he would have one good chance. I love seeing the faces of these kids. They have no fear.”
In earlier Sunday action, Girona secured a dominant 5-2 victory at home against Almeria, levelling them on points with Real Madrid, who had drawn 1-1 against Sevilla on Saturday.
Guiu’s inclusion in the senior squad was necessitated by several key players being sidelined due to injuries, including the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Frenkie de Jong.
The match featured moments of excitement, with Joao Felix coming close to scoring when his shot clipped the top of the crossbar following a Ferran Torres assist in the first half.
On the opposing side, Nico Williams saw his attempt saved by Barcelona’s goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Unai Simon, Athletic Bilbao’s goalkeeper, denied Felix and Lopez in quick succession just before the hour mark.
Notably, Lamine Yamal, a 16-year-old winger who became the youngest scorer in La Liga earlier this month, narrowly missed the target with a shot. It was Guiu, another young substitute, who ultimately sealed the victory for Barcelona, slotting the ball past Simon after being set up by Felix.
Guiu’s journey began when he joined Barcelona’s renowned youth academy, often referred to as La Masia, back in 2013. The academy has produced numerous footballing legends, including the iconic Lionel Messi, as well as the likes of current Barcelona coach Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol, Gerard Pique, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. Notable La Masia alumni who ventured beyond Barcelona include Cesc Fabregas, who joined Arsenal at the age of 16, and Manchester City’s head coach, Pep Guardiola.
Source: BBC Sports
