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03.10.2007 12:06
Xavi surpasses Migueli
Sergi Nogueras
After facing Stuttgart, Xavi has now played more international matches than any other player in the history of the club. With 86 games under his belt, the midfielder has now beaten the previous record set by Migueli.
The legendary Migueli played the last of his 85 European matches almost two decades ago. Xavi has now made more appearances, and aged just 27 is likely to have plenty more opportunities to extend that total. However, it has to be admitted that in Migueli’s pre-Champions League era, clubs were guaranteed considerably fewer European Cup fixtures each season.
In 4 competitions
These 86 games have been in four different competitions. Most, 70, were in
the Champions League, followed by 13 in the UEFA Cup, 1 in the European Clubs Cup and 2 in the
Clubs World Cup. Xavi has scored three times in those matches, twice in the Champions League and
once in the UEFA Cup.
In nine years
His first continental appearance came in a Champions League match in 1998,
when he featured in that remarkable 3-3 draw with eventual champions Manchester at Old Trafford.
Xavi came on in the second half as a replacement for Giovanni.
Puyol also coming close
Carles Puyol could well overtake Migueli’s record this season too depending on how far Barça
go in the competition and whether or not he is picked to play. The club captain has 81
international matches behind him. What’s more, Tuesday’s game with Stuttgart was
Puyol’s 35th official encounter in a Barça shirt.
