Barcelona’s mood at Montjuïc shifted with improving weather and a rare sense of calm as the team settled into the new stadium. The Perica community might warn of tougher days ahead, but for now the scene was almost friendly. This match marked a turning point where a cardigan became practical attire, a nod to the lingering chill that wrapped the field. The team still faced scrutiny, and a crowd of 38,194 showed up hoping for warmth from the performance as much as from the climate. The squad’s depth has been questioned, with 13 players in the first team, and even with Fermín and Lamine Yamal bringing the total to 15, reservations about conquering the Americas remain. Yet Masia continues to surprise, and Marc Guiu, the new darling, captured hearts with his debut: his first touch, his first goal, all at 17 years old.
First appearance
Born in Sant Celoni in 2007, Guiu wore number 38 and stepped in for a struggling Fermín as a striker. In the 34th second, a pass from Joao Félix found him, and he beat Unai Simón for a breakthrough goal. It was the kind of moment that felt scripted, a youngster who had scored five goals for Juvenil A this season and had grown up in Barça’s orbit, delivering a starry premiere that celebrated the club’s identity.
He registered a goal and a yellow card, and a Bilbao defender nearly injured a teammate in the ensuing scramble. In those ten minutes, a story began to unfold: a boy who embodied the club’s future, embraced by teammates and fans alike. He walked off the pitch with a look of pure triumph, cameras capturing the moment as relatives and friends erupted with pride. How many congratulatory messages would follow in the hours ahead?
Day of selective testing (I)
Xavi trialed unusual pairings as the match unfolded. Iñigo Martínez appeared alongside Christensen in a central axis, an unfamiliar combination that soon drew attention to the Dane’s steadiness and the Basque defender’s composure against his former club. The new balance offered glimpses of defensive shape, and when Araujo arrived, the defense still kept its calm. The experiment did not disrupt the team’s rhythm; it simply offered a fresh reference point for the rest of the match.
Day of selective testing (II)
With Lamine Yamal missing as the catalyst, the attack took shape with Ferran Torres on the right, and Joao Félix and Fermín rotating through the other two positions. Both found the net in the opening half. Félix misfired a crossbar attempt that could have been finished lower, while Fermín struggled to find his footing against a determined opponent. Athletic folded space tightly in the first half, leaving Barça with limited chances. The second half saw an uptick, particularly from the Portuguese forward, who helped pave the way for Guiu’s decisive moment. The club’s youth strategy was paying off in real time.
“I can’t believe it.”
After the final whistle, Marc Guiu spoke with a mix of astonishment and gratitude. “I can’t believe it. I’m breathless, still taking it all in. I never expected something like this, but I’ve trained for years to seize an opportunity.” He recalled what Xavi told him as he left the field: “Play like the youth team, press relentlessly, and you’ll have a chance.” Teammates offered their praise as well: “Everyone congratulated me. They said, ‘Enjoy it, you won’t sleep tonight.’”
Praise from Xavi
“In the end, Marc, the boy of the house, made a difference for us. He has a goal, he has a spark. I’m fond of him and happy to watch him at home. We must nurture him as we go forward. When the moment comes and the child is ready, we step onto the field. What surprises me most is that they aren’t afraid. They look at me and ask to be dressed for the moment.”
Low turnout, warm response
To explain the lighter crowd, the cold is a valid factor. This season’s transfer window offered little energy in that regard. With 39,603 spectators, attendance trailed previous gamedays, though the Gamper match had drawn over 35,000. Climate concerns persist, and winter’s bite seems stronger, but Barça’s fans still showed up, ready to offer warmth in support. Marc Guiu answered with a moment that felt like a public warmth spell.
Barcelona’s “Gentleman” phase grew as the Montjuïc ground warmed in a different way. The day confirmed that a cardigan might be a practical companion for this team as it navigates a demanding schedule. The players kept moving, and Guiu’s first goal became a symbol of resilience and potential in a club that never stops believing.
First appearance (reprise)
Born in Sant Celoni in 2007, Guiu took the field wearing the 38 shirt, stepping in for the ailing Fermín. In the 34th second, a pass from Joao Félix let him slip past Unai Simón for a quick lead. The goal signaled a storybook start for a player who had scored five times with Juvenil A this season and had grown up within Barça’s system. He celebrated with teammates, and the moment echoed through the stands as a reminder of the club’s philosophy: nurture, belief, opportunity.
He added a yellow card to his tally, and a Bilbao defender narrowly caused a stoppage with a reckless challenge. In those first ten minutes, a future talisman found his footing, and by the end of the match, he stood tall with hands raised, a smile stretching across his face. The next hours would bring a flood of messages of congratulations and anticipation for what lies ahead.
Day of compulsory tests (I) – reprise
Xavi’s spontaneous decisions continued. Iñigo Martínez joined Christensen at center-back, and the pairing sparked conversations about future configurations. The Dane’s presence offered reassurance, while the Basque defender’s familiarity against his former squad added a tactical edge. The rhythm remained steady as control shifted with substitutions. Araujo joined, and his calm presence reinforced the team’s balance. The message was simple: keep playing with confidence.
Day of compulsory tests (II) – reprise
With Lamine Yamal absent, Ferran Torres moved to the right wing, and Félix and Fermín rotated behind him. Both players found the net in the opening half. Félix hit the crossbar with a shot that could have been placed lower, while Fermín found it challenging to unlock the defense against a stubborn opponent. Athletic pressed high and Barça struggled to resist at times, yet the second half brought clarity. The crucial moment arrived when the ball found Guiu, and his finish sealed the outcome. The assessment of Xavi’s youth project continued, with tangible signs of momentum.
“I don’t believe it.”
Speaking after the game, Marc Guiu admitted the surge of emotion. “I can’t believe it. I’m breathless. I’m absorbing every detail. I’ve trained my whole life for a moment like this.” He shared a memory of Xavi’s pre-match encouragement and described the chorus of congratulations from teammates: “They told me to enjoy it; I may not sleep tonight.”
Praise from Xavi
“In the end, Marc, the boy from the house, made a difference. He has a goal, he has a spark. I adore him and have no trouble watching him at home. We must monitor his growth as we go. When we see that the child is ready, we step forward. What astonishes me the most is how fearless they appear. They look at me as if to say, dress me for the moment.”
Attendance and momentum
To explain the turnout, one goes back to the cold. It was a period with a slower transfer window impact, and the numbers reflected that. Yet the sense of possibility, sparked by Guiu, lingered. The crowd’s energy, though measured, felt real. Barça’s season continues to hinge on moments like these, where a young player steps into the light and reminds everyone why the sport can still surprise and inspire.