While the scoreline made for grim reading, the return of Gavi provided a much-needed silver lining for Barca. The midfielder played the entire second half, marking his longest appearance since returning from a seven-month injury layoff that began in August. His tenacity in the middle of the park offered a glimpse of the intensity Barca will need for the second leg.
Gavi echoed the sentiments of Yamal on social media, expressing his frustration with the first-leg outcome while looking forward to the trip to the Metropolitano. The midfielder stated: "We deserved much more yesterday, but that’s football… there’s still the second leg, let’s all work together!!"