FCBARCELONA.CAT

02.10.2008 10:43

International century for Xavi

Jordi Clos

Xavi Hernández placed his 100th international game for Barça when he appeared against Shakhtar on Wednesday and was instrumental in helping the team win 2-1.

The Catalan playmaker became the first Blaugrana player to reach the century mark when he made history in the Champions League game on October 1, 2008. The match in Donetsk was Xavi’s 84th in the Champions League, while he has played 13 times in the UEFA Cup, once in the European Super Cup and twice on the FIFA Club World Cup. In total he has scored eight goals in 100 matches.

In 1998/99 Xavi made his continental debut for Barça at Old Trafford when he played against Manchester United in the Champions League.

Decisive in the winning goal

In midweek, Xavi showed just why he has been such an important player throughout the years with an incredible through-ball from which Lionel Messi netted the winner in the Olimpiski in Donetsk in the 94th minute.

Third most games

Apart from having played the most international games for the club, Xavi is also third in the all-time appearances list for the club. He has played 428 games for the Blaugrana and is not far behind Carles Rexach, who is in second place with 452. Out in front is Migueli, who made 548 official appearances for FC Barcelona.

Dani Alves also reached a milestone against Shakhtar as it was his 50th game in Europe. The Brazilian has played 46 times in the Champions League and UEFA Cup for Sevilla and now has four games under his belt for Barça against continental opposition.