Fermin Lopez Runs Show As Barcelona Beat Shakhtar To Keep Perfect Record

Barcelona continued their perfect start in the Champions League and warmed up for the Clasico at the weekend with a 2-1 win over Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday. The Spanish champions held off their Ukrainian visitors to take their third win from three games and put one foot into the knock-out stages after failing to progress in the past two seasons. Ferran Torres opened the scoring for Barca with 20-year-old midfielder Fermin Lopez smashing home the second from the edge of the box.

Heorhiy Sudakov pulled one back for Shakhtar after a Barca defensive lapse, creating a nervy finale for the hosts, but they held on to the three points.

After 17-year-old debutant Marc Guiu struck the winner against Athletic Bilbao at the weekend, Lopez's display meant it was another fine night for Barcelona's La Masia talent factory.

"He is a dynamic footballer," said Barca coach Xavi Hernandez.

"His attitude is amazing, he wants to learn, he wants to improve."

The coach said Lopez could be the latest in a long line of talents to break through and hold down a place in the team.

"I'm really happy about Fermin's performance, he can be a significant player for us and play for many years," added Xavi.

Lopez said he was grateful to have the chance to play for the Catalan giants.

"You never expect this but I've been working for it all my life and I'm grateful to Xavi and the club for the chance they've given me, I have to keep working," he told Movistar.

"We won, we got the victory which is what we wanted and now we'll think about the Clasico."

Joao Felix went off hurt in the final stages, with another injury the last thing Barca need, but he said on Instagram that he was fine for the Clasico.

"I'm good, it was just a knock! (Now to) recover well