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 spot on the table standings.
The Spanish giants, who were 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 in the 10th minute.
But Barcelona were sharper in attack after the break and 17-year-old striker Guiu scored in the 80th minute, seconds after coming on for Fermin Lopez. Barca climbed one place with 24 points, a point behind Real Madrid before they host El Clasico next Saturday.
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 La Liga this century. Barca host Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Wednesday before hosting Real Madrid next Saturday.