Gavi celebrates a goal in LaLiga 587 days later

FC Barcelona took an early lead against Real Betis thanks to a goal from Pablo Páez Gavira, Gavi. The Andalusian had already 'scored' this season against Athletic (0-2) in the Supercopa de España and against the 'verdiblanco' team (5-1) in the Copa del Rey, but he had not managed to score in LaLiga in his previous 17 appearances (600 minutes). In fact, the '6' of Barça had not scored in the tournament since matchday 3 of the 2023-24 season.

In the 7th minute, Gavi received a good pass from Ferran Torres, following a recovery from Jules Koundé and a run from Lamine Yamal. The winger evaded several opponents to combine with the 'Shark', who laid it off for the Andalusian. With time and space, the midfielder unleashed a cross shot, impossible for Adrián. However, Barça's lead lasted only a short time, as Natan equalized ten minutes later with a header from the only corner kick taken by the visitors in the first half.

Hansi Flick returned the '6' to the starting lineup, after resting him, as a precaution, in the return leg of the Copa semifinals against Atlético de Madrid (0-1). The player from Los Palacios y Villafranca took on the role of attacking midfielder, with Ferran positioned on the left and Robert Lewandowski up front. However, the mobility of the Valencian and the 20-year-old was key to destabilizing the Betis defense, repeating the plan implemented in the quarterfinal match of the Copa on January 15.

Gavi celebrates a goal in La Liga a year and a half later

For Gavi, it was his first goal in LaLiga since August 27, 2023. On matchday 3, at Villarreal's ground, the Sevilla-born player also opened the scoring in the 12th minute of a crazy match that ended in favor of the culés. In the end, the victory was 3-4 in favor of Xavi Hernández's team, thanks to goals from Frenkie de Jong, Ferran, and Lewandowski, the latter two scoring in the second half to turn the score around, as the 'Yellow Submarine' was leading 3-2 at the 50th minute.

Thus, it took 587 days for Gavi to celebrate a goal in La Liga again. In total, he has 3 goals in the 24-25 season across all competitions, where he also has 3 assists in 29 appearances (1,163 minutes). Undoubtedly, his return is great news for a Barça that is understandably feeling the strain of a grueling schedule. Just like in the cup match, the '6' did not celebrate his goal out of respect for the Betis fans.