19.09.2007 23:12
Bojan –Barca’s youngest ever in Europe
Sergi Nogueras
Bojan became the youngest ever Barca player to figure in a European match when he came on late in the game against Lyon. The youngster is just 17 years and 22 days old.
With his appearance, Bojan outdid Barca’s previous youngest player Leo Messi, who played
against Shaktar Donetsk on 7th December 2004, when he was just 17 years, 5 months and 13 days.
On for Messi
Fittingly enough, it was the Argentinean striker who came
off on 88 minutes to allow Rijkaard to make his change and give Bojan his chance to live out what
he called his “second big dream” by playing at the Nou Camp, after making his first
team debut in Pamplona at the weekend. In just four minutes on the pitch, Bojan was certainly
lively enough, winning back balls and forcing what would have been a very dangerous free kick on
the edge of the box, had the ref not failed to see the foul on him.
Two more under 18s
As well as Messi and Bojan, two other Barca players have
figured in Europe before reaching their 18th birthdays - Pedraza and Nano. The former played
against Silema Wanderers of Malta in the 80-81 UEFA Cup, when he was just 17 years, 11 months and
12 days old, whilst Nano, who’s now with Cadiz, made his debut on 27th October 1999 against
AIK Solna in the Champions League when he was just 17 years, 6 months and 7 days old.
Giovani and Milito make UCL debuts
As well as Bojan, Milito, who was named in the starting 11 and gave an impeccable performance
at the heart of the Barca defence and Giovani, who came on for Xavi on 78 minutes, also made their
UCL debuts.