La Liga roundup: Barcelona win against Athletic Bilbao thanks to Marc Guiu's goal
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Barcelona left it late to claim a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in Montjuic, with teenager Marc Guiu netting a fairytale winner on his debut.
Guiu's debut will be etched into the annals of La Liga history as he became the youngest player to score on his Barcelona debut in the 21st century.
Throughout the match, the hosts were met with stern resistance from Athletic Bilbao, who seemed destined to leave with a hard-fought draw. However, it was the 17-year-old Guiu who emerged as the hero for Xavi Hernandez's team.
With the scoreboard locked at 0-0, Guiu entered the fray in the 79th minute, replacing highly-rated midfielder Fermin Lopez. Just 33 seconds into his senior debut, Guiu displayed composure and skill to slot the ball past Bilbao's goalkeeper, Unai Simon, in the 80th minute. This strike not only clinched the victory but also etched the young forward's name into the club's illustrious history.
Guiu's rapid rise to prominence exemplifies the talent nurtured at La Masia, Barcelona's famed youth academy. As the Camp Nou erupted in celebration, Guiu's goal brought a sense of nostalgia, echoing the days when youth prospects regularly made their mark on the Barcelona stage.
Meanwhile, Girona mounted a stunning comeback in a high-scoring affair, battling from a two-goal deficit to triumph 5-2 over Almeria. Leo Baptistao's early brace hinted at a potential upset, but Girona, buoyed by two goals from Artem Dovbyk, roared back to claim a 3-2 lead by halftime. The momentum continued in the second half as they secured the victory, maintaining their impressive form this La Liga season. With 25 points, Girona currently stand level with league leaders Real Madrid after just 10 games, setting the stage for an exciting title race.
In another thrilling encounter, Rayo Vallecano secured a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Las Palmas. The match saw high drama as Bebe converted a stoppage-time penalty to secure the win for the visitors. However, the joy was tempered by Oscar Valentin's red card, leaving Rayo Vallecano to finish the game with ten men.
Villarreal settled for a 1-1 draw at home against Alaves. Gerard Moreno's penalty cancelled out Samu Omorodion's early strike, ensuring a share of the points.
Guiu's debut heroics may have stolen the headlines, but La Liga continues to deliver thrilling and unexpected moments week after week, keeping football fans eagerly anticipating what each matchday has in store.
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