FC Barcelona had to fight to come away with a draw from the first leg of their last 16 tie against Newcastle United at St. James' Park. A late penalty from Lamine Yamal after Dani Olmo was brought down in the box allowed the blaugranes to come away from England with a 1-1 draw, a game that will be remembered by one Barça player in particular, Xavi Espart. 

Surprise debut 

The 18 year old Espart came on late in the game, surprising even the teenager himself, with Hansi Flick preparing to bring on Roony Bardghji. However, with Araujo struggling, the German coach decided to bring off the Uruguayan and send on the teenager in his place. 

Espart did not look out of place in the Champions League, shoring up the back line as Newcastle threatened a second goal. In the end Lamine's penalty gave the teenager double motive to celebrate - a debut and a late equaliser. 

Versatile 

18 year old Espart joined Barça in the summer of 2015 from UE Vilassar de Mar as an eight year old, making his way through the youth categories before making his debut for Barça Atlètic last season. The defender was a key member of the U19A squad that claimed the league, Copa del Rey and UEFA Youth League treble. 

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