FC Barcelona marked their return from the international break with a convincing 3-0 victory over Getafe at the Spotify Camp Nou on Saturday evening.
Goals from Anthony Gordon, Gabriel Jesus, and Jules Kounde secured the victory for Hansi Flick & co., who have now won all of their nine matches in all competitions this season.
Apart from picking up an important victory, the evening was a memorable one for two Barcelona stars as they reached two key career milestones.
Indeed, Kounde became the French player with the most appearances in Barcelona's 126-year history. The defender made his 194th appearance for the club, moving ahead of Eric Abidal.
Meanwhile, Gerard Martin reached 100 official appearances for Barcelona and was presented with a commemorative shirt after the match before posing with his teammates.
Kounde's achievement is particularly significant given France's long-standing contribution to Barcelona, with numerous French players having represented the club over the years.
The French player with most appearances for Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
However, the milestone comes at an unusual time for the defender. He is no longer an automatic starter under Flick, while speculation over a possible departure has intensified as the January transfer window approaches.
Amidst the uncertainty, Kounde remains under contract with Barcelona until 2030 and has consistently expressed his desire to continue wearing the club's colours.
His place in the starting line-up against Getafe had been far from certain ahead of the match. Flick ultimately selected him at right-back, with Eric Garcia partnering Gerard Martín in central defence. And the 27-year-old star delivered a solid performance on a special night .
Meanwhile, Martin joined Barcelona's 100-appearance club on Saturday against Getafe. The defender from has progressed rapidly since breaking into the first team in the summer of 2024.
His discipline and ability to learn quickly helped him make the step up to Barcelona's senior squad under Flick.
Martin has now made 100 appearances for the first team, comprising 67 in La Liga, 20 in the Champions League, 10 in the Copa del Rey and three in the Spanish Super Cup.
A lifelong Barcelona supporter, Martin grew up supporting the club, as did his parents and grandparents. Reaching the century mark is therefore a particularly meaningful achievement for the defender and his family.
