Barcelona's 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi shines in his Champions League debut, starting as center-back and named player of the match against Napoli, impressing with maturity and skill.

The Big Picture

Youth academy talent Cubarsi's standout performance highlights Barcelona's commitment to developing young players and signals a potential resurgence for the club with a focus on their homegrown talent.

By the Numbers
  • Cubarsi, at 17, makes his remarkable Champions League debut as a starter and is named player of the match.
  • Barcelona secures a 3-1 victory over Napoli, advancing to the Champions League quarter-finals after three years.
  • Barcelona's season budget already accounts for €10.6 million in prize money.
Yes, But

While Cubarsi's performance was exceptional, there are concerns about managing expectations for such a young talent amidst the pressure and spotlight of top-tier competition.

State of Play
  • Barcelona's victory with La Masia products like Cubarsi and Sergi Roberto highlights the significance of youth development in the team's success.
  • Manager Xavi's bold decision to trust young talent pays off, propelling Barcelona back into the top eight European teams as they await a challenging draw.
What's Next

Barcelona faces a tough draw in the next round, with upcoming matches posing challenges despite the momentum gained from the victory against Napoli. The focus on youth talent and La Masia graduates is likely to continue shaping the team's strategies.

Bottom Line

Barcelona's reliance on youth talent, exemplified by Cubarsi's stellar performance, heralds a potential new era for the club as they navigate the complexities of elite European competition with a renewed focus on homegrown players.