Youngster Marc Guiu Secures Barcelona's 1-0 Victory in LaLiga Debut

Youngster Marc Guiu Secures Barcelona's 1-0 Victory in LaLiga Debut

Marc Guiu of FC Barcelona celebrates 1-0 during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona v Athletic de Bilbao at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium on October 22, 2023 in Barcelona Spain(    Image-Getty)

 Barcelona's Young Talent Marc Guiu Secures 1-0 Victory Over Athletic Bilbao in LaLiga Debut

Barcelona's 17-year-old substitute, Marc Guiu, made a remarkable impact on his LaLiga debut, scoring a late goal in the second half to secure a 1-0 home win over Athletic Bilbao. Guiu, a product of Barcelona's youth academy, displayed his composure as he received a pass at the edge of the box and delivered a precise low shot past goalkeeper Unai Simon, achieving the fastest debut league goal in the club's history with only his second touch of the ball.

This pivotal victory propelled Xavi Hernandez's team to the third position in the LaLiga standings with 24 points, trailing just one point behind Real Madrid before the eagerly anticipated Clasico next week.

Reflecting on the intense match, Xavi acknowledged Athletic Bilbao's persistent pressure, stating, "They have done an extraordinary job. It has been difficult for us (but) if anyone deserved the victory, it was Barcelona."

Despite missing key players such as Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Robert Lewandowski due to injuries, Barcelona dominated possession but struggled to create clear opportunities in the first half. Athletic Bilbao also threatened, with Inaki Williams and Nico Williams both challenging Barcelona's goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who made crucial saves.

The game took a dramatic turn when Athletic Bilbao's left back, Yuri Berchiche, was forced off the field due to an apparent ankle injury in the first half.

In the second half, Barcelona intensified their attacking efforts, with Joao Felix testing Athletic Bilbao's goalkeeper Simon on multiple occasions. However, it was Guiu, who had come on as a substitute for Fermin Lopez, who ultimately stole the show with his impressive goal in the 80th minute.

Guiu's exceptional debut performance set a new record, as he became the youngest player to score for Barcelona on his LaLiga debut this century, leaving him overwhelmed with the moment. "I can't believe it. I'm out of breath, enjoying the moment," Guiu expressed to Esports 3. Describing his winning goal, he shared, "Joao Felix controlled the ball, I saw that there was space behind the defense, he gave it to me and I beat Unai Simon. It's an honor to have scored a goal against a goalkeeper of his caliber."

Barcelona's upcoming schedule includes a Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday, followed by a highly anticipated face-off against Real Madrid next Saturday at their home ground.