If there is one qiality that Chus Mateo has shown since becoming the coach of Real Madrid, it is daring. Courage to bet on young people even in challenging situations. He did it last season with Eli John Ndiaye, whom he gave prominence in the Euroleague series against Partizan when the team was hanging by a thread. The youngster more than fulfilled his duties, specially in defense.

On Sunday he began the Clásico with Ismaila Diagne. "Only" was tasked with filling in for Walter Tavares, who was out with a respiratory infection. The boy was one of the main characters of the game.

At 16 years, 9 months, and 9 days old, the 2.14 meter young man made history by becoming the youngest player to take part in a Clásico. He surpassed Luka Doncic's record, who in 2015 faced Barcelona being 19 days older than the current Madrid center.

He started the game with a voracious hunger. After just five minutes he had already eaten up Jan Vesely: four points and seven rebounds, five of them offensive. He finished with nine points, eight rebounds (six on offense) and a PIR of 16 in 13:27.

The young man scored Real Madrid's first and final baskets. In appreciation for his hard work, Chus Mateo gave him a few minutes to finish the duel. "I didn't know he was 16 years old. I'm really telling you. It's an anecdote. I'm happy because the boy works well and it's a reward for his work," the coach said after the game.

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