When Barcelona played Athletic Club tonight, they did not have Robert Lewandowski, who was their starting striker, Raphinha, who was their starting right winger, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri, who were their starting central midfielders, and Ronald Araujo and Jules Kounde, who were their starting center backs. All of these players were out with injuries.

Because of this, Xavi was forced to go with an improvised starting lineup. Fermin Lopez played the false 9 position, while Ferran Torres and Joao Felix took up positions on the wings.

Even though Joao Felix produced a performance worthy of being named man of the match, they were unable to capitalize on any of the opportunities they had throughout the first 80 minutes of play.

Eventually, however, the deadlock was broken by 17-year-old debutant Marc Guiu, who scored with his second touch of the game. This was the first time that he had participated in the game.

According to Mundo Deportivo’s translation of what Xavi said after the game, “Although he’s only 17, I think Marc Guiu is ready,” Xavi lauded Marc Guiu. Now is the moment to place your bets on these athletes.

“I warned Marc Guiu that you will only get one shot at it, so get ready,” Indeed, he did it. He only had one opportunity, and he made the most of it.

When things aren’t going well, you have to play players from La Masia, I learned this from other managers. Players from the local area. We competed against Marc, and he helped us come out on top.

Additionally, he stated, “During my lifetime, children and teenagers lived in constant terror. These fresh faces don’t tremble at the thought of anything. They are sharp and they are hungry.”

“If we break down the match and look at it piece by piece, the first half was not very good. In order to avoid Bilbao’s push, we were unable to play out from the back. During his post-match press conference, Xavi stated that the second half was where “we managed it well.”

“Very few teams maintain the level of pressure that Athletic did for the entire game.” We were aware of it, and Ernesto’s proposition was quite insightful and courageous.

Even though we have a large number of injured players, that is not an acceptable excuse. We made adjustments to the system in order to achieve a better equilibrium.

Additionally, he addressed particular injuries, saying that Kounde and Sergi Roberto would not be available for the El Clasico match. Regarding the other matters, everything will be determined by how they feel.”

When Alejandro Balde left the game in the 79th minute hobbling, it was undoubtedly a frightening moment for the Barcelona fans. Xavi, on the other hand, stated that the player was simply exhausted.

“Balde is not hurt in any way. Simply put, he was exhausted.

Xavi was also questioned about Jude Bellingham’s potential red card during Sevilla’s 1-1 draw with Real Madrid, but he declined to comment on the matter, saying, “I don’t know if Bellingham was intended to get a red card. The decision is up to the referee. It is not anything that interests me.

Xavi also had high praise for Felix and Inigo Martinez’s efforts, saying things like, “Joao Felix played a tremendous match. The role that he plays for us is really important, and he is now enjoying a very successful stretch of play.

“As I have already stated, Igo will play an essential role. For me, signing this document was a very personal experience, and I have a lot of faith in what it represents. Today was on a very high level, and there is no question that he will be of great assistance to us in the future.