Wednesday's Brugge v FC Barcelona match was not just another game for Pau Cubarsí. In Belgium, the Catalan centre-back became the third player under the age of 19 to reach 20 appearances in the UEFA Champions League.
Cubarsi did so at the age of 18 years and 287 days. Although he did not enjoy many minutes on the pitch, coming on for Eric in injury time, this final stretch of the match was enough to reach his 20th appearance in Europe's top competition.
The Estanyol defender has thus joined a list made up of his teammate Lamine Yamal and PSG player Warren Zaïre-Emery. The Rocafonda native reached this number of appearances at the age of 17 years and 270 days, that is, during last season. Meanwhile, the Frenchman, now 19, did so at the age of 18 years and 277 days.
It should be remembered that Pau Cubarsí made his Champions League debut on 12 March 2024, in the second leg of the round of 16 against Napoli. He demonstrated his quality and potential from day one, receiving the MVP award for the match at just 17 years and 50 days old. Since then, he has played in these 20 matches, in which he has provided one assist.
Cubarsí can therefore boast a new record for precocity. At his young age, he has become a key player in Barça's plans, a fact he demonstrates day after day. So far, he has played 20 matches in Europe's top club competition. A figure that will undoubtedly grow.