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Manchester United winger Facundo Pellistri breaks 24-year-old LaLiga record vs Barcelona

Man United loanee Facundo Pellistri scored his first goal for Granada in their thrilling 3-3 draw with Barcelona on Sunday night.

Facundo Pellistri celebrates with his Granada teammates after scoring against Barcelona.
Facundo Pellistri netted his first Granada goal against Barcelona.(Image: Josep Lago/AFP via Getty Images.)

Facundo Pellistri became the youngest player in 24 years to score and provide an assist in a LaLiga away game against Barcelona after starring in Granada's 3-3 draw with the Spanish giant on Sunday evening.


Making just his second appearance for the club since arriving on loan from Manchester United last month, the Uruguayan played a key role in helping the relegation-threatened outfit seal an unlikely point. Granada are currently 19th in LaLiga, seven points from safety.


After providing the assist for Ricard Sánchez to pull Granada level in the first half, following Lamine Yamal's early opener for Barcelona, Pellistri scored Granada's second goal of the night on the hour mark, putting them 2-1 in front. He turned the ball home at the back post after a cross was drilled back across the six-yard box from the left channel of the penalty area.


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Though the youngster, who was struggling for game time at Old Trafford prior to his January exit, had an open goal to aim at, it was an emphatic finish. Unfortunately for him and Granada, Robert Lewandowski clawed Barcelona level just three minutes later.


Granada then retook the lead three minutes later, meaning three goals were plundered in the space of just six minutes. However, Granada again failed to hold on, with Yamal scoring his second to make it 3-3 with 10 minutes of normal time to go.

Despite being denied what would have been just a third league win of the season, it was an encouraging night's work for Granada and Pellistri, who stored 84 minutes under his belt. As a result of scoring and providing an assist, he became the youngest player to contribute a goal and assist against Barcelona in an away league game since Samuel Eto'o, who did so aged 19 years and 30.

Pellistri achieved the same feat at the age of 22 years and 53 days. His all-round showing was one of great encouragement, attracting praise from manager Alexander Medina, who hailed the United loanee post-match.

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He told AS: "When I talked to him about coming, I told him what I wanted from him. The other day he had a great game, he is showing his hierarchy and personality.

"I am happy with his signing. And it will serve to show his football, which in Manchester was reduced."

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