FCBARCELONA.CAT

06.09.2007 13:59

A night to remember

Sergi Nogueras

Thiago, Córcoles, Gai, Botía, Toribio, Xavi Torres and Emilio Guerra all made their first team debuts in Wednesday night’s Copa Catalunya win against Girona. It’s a night none of them will ever forget.

No fewer than seven home-grown youngsters made their first team debuts on Wednesday. They couldn’t have made a better start, with a semi-final win that could give them a chance to repeat the experience in the final against Nàstic on 11th September. Whatever happens in the future, the 5th of September will stay in their memories forever.

Córcoles featured in the starting line-up at right back, forming a defensive partnership with Márquez, Oleguer and Sylvinho. His time on the pitch coincided with the best part of Girona’s performance and he had to work very hard throughout the first half. After the break he was replaced by Botía

Emilio Guerra, the ‘veteran’ of the Barça B players, started the match at centre forward. Barça failed to make much impact on the Girona defence but he contributed by dropping back to help retain possession. He was replaced in the 36th minute by Víctor Vázquez.

Botía replaced Córcoles at right back for the second half and did well to close down his area of the defence.

Toribio came on for Jeffren in the 72nd minute. From the very first minute he showed why he is popularly known as ‘Toro' (the Bull). Toribio was untiring in midfield and fought for every ball.

Gai, together with Thiago, made his first team debut at the tender age of just 16. He came on for Dimas after the break and took up a position on the left wing. He was fast and showed good understanding with one of the senior members of the squad, Sylvinho. Many of Barça’s best attacking moves came down his side of the pitch.

Xavi Torres started the match in defensive midfield and then demonstrated his versatility by changing positions with Marc Crosas to play at inside left. He was replaced in the 36th minute by Thiago.

Thiago came on in the 36th minute. The midfielder showed a lot of character and looked comfortable in midfield. Thiago demonstrated some delightful skills, reminding the fans of his Brazilian background.