When Barcelona midfield maestro Xavi came on as a half-time substitute against PSG in the Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night he sent records tumbling.
The former Spain international played for 148th time in the competition, more than any other player since the tournament changed to its current format in 1992.
Xavi also set the record for the most appearances in the knockout phase of the Champions League having now featured in 53 matches in the latter stages.
Xavi made his 148th Champions League appearance against PSG on Tuesday night
Former Spain international Xavi shares a joke with his former team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic after the game
| Player | Appearances |
|---|---|
| Xavi | 148 |
| Iker Casillas | 147 |
| Raul | 142 |
| Ryan Giggs | 141 |
| Clarence Seedorf | 125 |
| Paul Scholes | 124 |
| Roberto Carlos | 120 |
| Carles Puyol | 115 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 112 |
| Thierry Henry | 112 |
| Player | Appearances |
|---|---|
| Xavi | 53 |
| Iker Casillas | 52 |
| Frank Lampard | 52 |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | 52 |
| Victor Valdes | 51 |
| Ryan Giggs | 49 |
| John Terry | 49 |
| Andres Iniesta | 49 |
| Xabi Alonso | 47 |
| Lionel Messi | 47 |
They are not records that the 35-year-old is likely to hold on his own for long, however.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas is in line to equal Xavi's total in both Champions League games and knockout matches when Carlo Ancelotti's side take on Atletico in the second leg of their quarter-final on Wednesday night.
While, Casillas' team-mate Cristiano Ronald will join Xavi on 53 knockout appearances if, as expected, he plays against Atletico.
Former world champion Xavi also became the leading appearance-maker in all European competition with 170.
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