Gavi's reaction to Espanyol sabotaging Barcelona's title celebrations by turning on the sprinklers has gone viral. Once again, it was a dazzling strike from Lamine Yamal that made the difference on Thursday night, as Hansi Flick’s side clinched their 28th La Liga title with a 1-0 win over their local Catalan rivals.
The victory came under markedly different circumstances than Barcelona are accustomed to, with their title celebrations spoiled by disgruntled neighbours who - after decades of watching Barca’s dominance - still seem unwilling to accept it. Having already secured the Spanish Super Cup and Copa del Rey earlier this season, Barcelona were forced to tone down their domestic treble celebrations in midweek.
Hansi Flick was quick to restore order, storming over to a jubilant squad and ushering them down the tunnel after the full-time whistle blew, eager to avoid a repeat of the chaos that followed their last title win on Espanyol’s patch in 2023. This came after the night had already been marred by a horrifying incident before kick-off, when a car ploughed into a crowd of fans outside the stadium, thus casting a dark shadow over what was meant to be a night of celebration.
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The police are now treating the incident as 'accidental'.
Gavi's Response To Epsanyol Turning On The Sprinklers
The young Spaniard lapped up the chance to sing in the rain
Barcelona
Ask any footballer - regardless of age or level - what they consider the ideal weather for playing the beautiful game, and chances are they'll say rain. The ball zips across the surface quicker, sliding tackles are more frequent, and celebrating in the downpour somehow feels a bit more magical.
So when Espanyol turned on the sprinklers at full-time in an attempt to quite literally rain on Barcelona’s parade, Gavi echoed that sentiment, reaffirming just how much players relish singing in the rain. He said in the mixed zone (watch the interview and incident below):
“No, I liked it more. We were able to celebrate better this way.”
Espanyol's tactics didn't defuse the situation as they intended. Instead, it was Flick who effectively tempered Barcelona’s celebrations, with the 60-year-old determined to ensure the 28-time Spanish champions displayed a degree of respect, mindful of the long-standing animosity between the two Catalan rivals.
The party likely resumed behind closed doors, but it was the goalscorer, Yamal, who appeared to be the first - and perhaps only - player to immediately follow his manager’s lead. Footage shared online captured the teenager making a swift exit from the pitch, just moments after securing his first major club honour since graduating from La Masia in 2023.