Barcelona secured a place in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League for the first time since 2020 after defeating Napoli 3-1 at home on Tuesday night (4-2 on aggregate).
It was a largely solid performance from the Blaugrana barring one or two brief moments of danger posed by Napoli. And one of the most standout performers for Barça on the night was 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi.
Making his Champions League debut, in a do-or-die encounter no less, the teenage La Masia defender put on a top performance, managing to deal with the threat of Victor Osimhen fairly easily.
Such was his display that the young talent won the Man of the Match award on his debut in the competition.
Speaking after the match, Cubarsi revealed that Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez had helped him prepare to tackle the danger posed by the Napoli striker on the night.
“Xavi gave me the details to try and stop Osimhen,” said the youngster while speaking to the club media.
One of the most notable aspects of Cubarsi’s game, apart from his exceptional distribution from the back, is his calmness and tranquility on the pitch. Discussing how he goes about playing, the teenager said (h/t SPORT):
“I play calmly, doing what I know what to do. I try to help the team and I’m happy with the match. I’m very happy with the match. I like to play the ball out from the back like I have always done at Barça, and going 100% to win duels.”
Expressing his delight at the victory, he added: “Today’s one of the happiest days of my life! We are in the quarterfinals after four years, we are all very happy with the work we have done in the game.”
“It’s an honor to make my Champions League debut by winning the Man of the Match award and reaching the quarterfinals.”
Cubarsi also ensured to thank the fans who turned up to support the team at Montjuic, saying: “The fans were great today, they were the 12th player.”
On the possibility of being called up to the Spain squad by Luis de la Fuente this upcoming Friday, the same day when the UCL draw for the quarterfinals takes place, Cubarsi said:
“I’ll keep an eye on both equally, because both are very important, but a little more on the Champions League draw than on the Spain squad, because if it doesn’t come now, there will be more opportunities.”
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