Teenager Marc Guiu snatches victory for Barcelona over Athletic Bilbao with debut goal

Barcelona's teenage substitute Marc Guiu scored late in the second half on his debut to secure a 1-0 home win over Athletic Bilbao in LaLiga, propelling Xavi Hernandez's side to third place, one point behind Real Madrid ahead of the Clasico next week.

The 17-year-old Barcelona youth product latched onto a pass on the edge of the box and beat goalkeeper Unai Simon with a low shot after only his second touch of the ball to score his first league goal faster than any other player in the club's history.

Barcelona moved up one spot, closing the gap on Real Madrid, who were held to a 1-1 draw at Sevilla on Saturday.

"We knew they were going to put constant pressure on us," said Xavi. "They have done an extraordinary job. It has been difficult for us, if anyone deserved the victory, it was Barcelona."

Without the injured Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona had more possession but fewer chances than the visitors in the first half, with Joao Felix hitting the crossbar after 10 minutes.

Inaki Williams' effort was saved by Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who then denied Nico Williams in first-half stoppage time.

Barcelona's attack was sharper after the break, but Spain's keeper Simon denied Felix twice and held firm until striker Guiu scored in the 80th minute, seconds after replacing Fermin Lopez.

Guiu, who is 17 years and 291 days old, became the youngest player in LaLiga history to score for Barcelona on his debut.

"I can't believe it. I'm out of breath, enjoying the moment. This is unimaginable. I've been working all my life to take advantage of opportunities and it's come to me", he told Esports 3.

Barcelona will play Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Wednesday before hosting Real Madrid the following Saturday.

SportsLigue