Marc Guiu opens up on scoring on his debut during Barcelona 1-0 Athletic Club: “Dreamt of this every night”

Barcelona hosted Athletic Club tonight at the Saint Montjuic in a game that was destined to be a difficult encounter for them. With several key players out of action, Xavi had to field a team without his starting centre-backs, central midfielders, right-winger, and striker.

For 80 minutes, Ernesto Valverde’s men gave Barça hell, keeping them at bay. In fact, they were arguably the better team, only to be denied by Marc-Andre ter Stegen multiple times.

79th minute, enter 17-year-old Marc Guiu. Making his debut for the team, the La Masia striker took 23 seconds and just two touches to change the game, scoring the winner off a Joao Felix through ball.

Following a dream debut, the teenager said, as quoted by SPORT, “I can’t believe it. I can’t breathe. I’m enjoying the moment so much. I’ve worked all my life for this and it worked out perfectly.”

“We are working very well at La Masia. It is very important to trust the young people in these difficult times that the club is going through. Let them continue working because the opportunities will come.”

He continued to speak ecstatically, saying, “I haven’t looked at my phone yet, but I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to sleep tonight.”

Guiu also explained the goal, and his moment of brilliance. “When Joao Felix passed the ball, I saw the space and controlled it. I saw that Unai came out, and I knew that I had to put it at the back of the net.”

Xavi was at the heart of his goal, giving him the debut against a tough team during an intense part of the game.

“Xavi had told me to be ready, that I would get my chance. I’ve dreamed of this moment for almost every night of my life,” he said.

“All of the youngsters, we’re doing our best to help Barcelona in difficult financial times. Me, Fermin, Lamine, Gavi…”