FCBARCELONA.CAT

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.