Veteran midfielders Francesco Totti and Xavi Hernandez set new landmarks during respective matches for AS Roma and Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League tonight.
Totti was first to create a milestone, when his equaliser against Manchester City in a Group E match at the Etihad Stadium made him the oldest goalscorer in the competition’s history at 38 years and three days old.
The Roma captain beat the previous record held by Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs, who was 37 years and 290 days old when he scored for the Red Devils against Benfica in September 2011.
Totti’s goal, a dinked effort which came in the 23rd minute, was also his first ever goal scored on English soil and only his second against an English club with his first coming against Newcastle United in 1999.
Meanwhile in Paris, Barcelona midfielder Xavi became the player with the most appearances in the competition when he came on for Ivan Rakitic in the 69th minute of the Group F match against Paris St. Germain.
The 36-year old made his 143rd appearance tonight to surpass Spanish compatriot Raul Gonzalez who made 142 appearances in the Champions League while Ryan Giggs and Iker Casillas made 141 appearances.
Casillas though could make his 142nd appearance on Wednesday night when Real Madrid visit Ludogorets in a Group B match.