Memphis scores first official goal
The moment we’d all be waiting for has finally happened. Memphis Depay, this summer’s star signing from Olympique Lyonnais has scored his first competitive goal for FC Barcelona. And it was a big one, for thanks to that tremendous left-footed rocket, a point could be salvaged from a different trip to San Mamés.
The Dutchman had, of course, already scored three goals in a Barça jersey, including one on his debut against Gimnàstic Tarragona. But this was his first in an official fixture, coming as it did from a fine Sergi Roberto pass and ending with an absolute humdinger of a strike that was simply too hot for Athletic keeper Kepa to handle.
Having also provided the assist for Gerard Piqué’s header against Real Sociedad, Memphis has become the first Barça player to be involved in goals in his first two league games since both Cesc Fàbregas and Alexis Sánchez did so in September 2011.
Yusuf Demir makes debut
Saturday’s game also brought the official debut of Yusuf Demir, the 18-year-old Austrian who also featured throughout the preseason for the senior squad.
The Rapid Vienna loanee came on for Martin Braithwaite after 61 minutes, thus becoming only the second player from his country to appear for FC Barcelona, following in the footsteps of the great Hans Krankl.
He also becomes the youngest foreigner to debut for Barça since Leo Messi.