Barca teenager Guiu scores on dream debut to sink Bilbao

BARCELONA, Spain: Barcelona's teenage substitute Marc Guiu scored late in the second half on his debut to secure a 1-0 home win over Athletic Bilbao in La Liga, sending Xavi Hernandez's side up to third, one point behind Real Madrid ahead of next week's Clasico.

The 17-year-old Barca youth product latched onto a pass on the edge of the box and beat goalkeeper Unai Simon with a low shot after only his second touch of the ball to score his first league goal quicker than any player in the club's history.

Barca climbed one place with 24 points to close on Real Madrid, who were held to a 1-1 draw at Sevilla on Saturday.

"We knew they (Bilbao) were going to put constant pressure on us," said Xavi. "They have done an extraordinary job. It has been difficult for us (but) if anyone deserved the victory, it was Barcelona."

Barca, without the injured Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Robert Lewandowski, had more possession but created fewer chances than the visitors in the first half, where their best opportunity saw Joao Felix hit the bar after 10 minutes.

Bilbao could have taken the lead when Inaki Williams' effort was saved by Marc-Andre ter Stegen before the goalkeeper then denied Nico Williams in first-half stoppage time.

The visitors had lost left back Yuri Berchiche midway through the first half as he appeared to hurt his ankle.

Barca were sharper in attack after the break but their Spain keeper Simon kept out Felix twice and held firm until striker Guiu scored in the 80th, seconds after replacing Fermin Lopez.

At 17 years 291 days, Guiu became the youngest player to score for Barcelona on his debut in LaLiga this century.

"I can't believe it. I'm out of breath, enjoying the moment," he told Esports 3.

"This is unimaginable. I've been