Marc Guiu was thrilled with his ‘perfect’ moment after the 17-year-old scored the winner on his Barcelona debut – as coach Xavi hailed his impact.
The teenager scored just 30 seconds after coming on to settle Sunday night’s LaLiga clash with Athletic Bilbao, latching onto a pass from Joao Felix before sliding home a low shot.
The win lifted Barcelona up to third, just one point behind leaders Real Madrid ahead of Saturday’s Clasico.
‘I can’t believe it, I’m out of breath. I’m enjoying the moment,’ Guiu said.
‘I’ve been working my whole life for this opportunity and it turned out perfect.
17-year-old Marc Guiu celebrates after scoring on his Barcelona debut just seconds after coming on against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday night
The teenager slotted home with composure after being played in by Joao Felix to score
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‘Joao Felix controlled the ball, I saw there was space behind the defence, he gave it to me and I beat Unai Simon. It’s an honour to have scored a goal against a goalkeeper of his calibre.’
Guiu is the youngest goalscoring debutant for Barcelona in the 21st century at just 17 years and 291 days.
The striker has been with the club since the age of seven, progressing through their La Masia academy to come into Xavi’s first-team squad pool during pre-season.
He was called into the squad for the league game against Granada earlier this month but didn’t get off the bench. However, the Spain under-17 international is now up and running for his boyhood club.
Xavi said post-match: ‘I personally like Marc Guiu. I’ve always said that I have no problem looking at La Masia players. You have to give them trust.
‘When you see that the kid is ready, you take him to the playground.
Guiu’s team-mates were thrilled as they celebrated with the youngster after the goal
Coach Xavi was thrilled with Guiu’s impact as Barcelona closed the gap to Real Madrid
‘Guiu’s face on the bench didn’t look scared. He was looking at me with the ‘coach, put me on’ face. I saw that he was ready and I subbed him in.
‘You can tell that he can score goals, and everything went well. I’m so happy.’
Barca host Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Wednesday before hosting Real Madrid next Saturday.
