In a thrilling LaLiga clash, Barcelona secured a 1-0 home victory over Athletic Bilbao, with teenage sensation Marc Guiu making an unforgettable debut as the hero of the day.
Barcelona, missing key players like Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Robert Lewandowski due to injuries, faced a resilient Athletic Bilbao side in the first half. Although Barcelona enjoyed more possession, it was the visitors who created the better chances. The most promising opportunity for Barça in the opening minutes saw Joao Felix hit the crossbar in the 10th minute.
After the halftime break, Barcelona’s attack sprang to life, and it was the 17-year-old striker Guiu who stole the spotlight. Guiu made an immediate impact, finding the back of the net in the 80th minute, just moments after coming on for Fermin Lopez. Follow your favourite football team with attractive La Liga odds from Nextbet.
This thrilling win propelled Barcelona up to third place in the LaLiga standings with 24 points, just one point behind Real Madrid. The victory sets the stage for an exciting El Clasico clash next Saturday when Real Madrid hosts Barcelona.
Xavi Hernandez, Barcelona’s head coach, acknowledged the challenge posed by Athletic Bilbao, saying, “We knew they [Bilbao] were going to put constant pressure on us. They have done an extraordinary job. It has been difficult for us [but] if anyone deserved the victory, it was Barcelona.”
In the first half, Bilbao had opportunities to take the lead, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen making crucial saves, denying Inaki Williams and Nico Williams.
Bilbao’s challenges were compounded when left-back Yuri Berchiche had to leave the field due to an ankle injury in the first half.
Barcelona’s attacking prowess was on full display in the second half, with Spain’s goalkeeper, Unai Simon, preventing Joao Felix from scoring on multiple occasions. However, the breakthrough came when the 17-year-old Guiu scored in the 80th minute, making him the youngest Barcelona player to score on his LaLiga debut in this century.
Guiu expressed his elation after the match, saying, “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.”
With the victory over Bilbao, Barcelona now looks ahead to a crucial Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday before the highly anticipated showdown with Real Madrid next Saturday. Get the latest updates from the La Liga only on Nextbet Sports.
