In the Supercopa de Espana final, Gavi scored one goal and assisted on two more as Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 3-1, giving Xavi his first significant victory.
In a lopsided El Clasico match on Sunday in Riyadh, outstanding teenager Gavi opened the scoring after being picked out by Robert Lewandowski.
Just before halftime at the King Fahd Stadium, Gavi then put one on a plate for Lewandowski to double the Blaugrana's lead. The attacking midfielder then set up Pedri to make it 3-0 after the break.
European and LaLiga champions Real Madrid were completely outmatched by their fierce rivals, who won the Supercopa for the record-extending 14th time and secured their first major victory since club legend Xavi was appointed as head coach in November 2021, despite Karim Benzema's late consolation goal.
Lewandowski's shot was expertly deflected against the post by Thibaut Courtois, and Alejandro Balde's follow-up shot was wildly off-target.
Following Benzema's header from Ferland Mendy's cross, the Blaugrana deservedly seized the lead in the 33rd minute as Los Blancos botched their attempt to play out from the back. Antonio Rudiger's errant ball was intercepted by Sergio Busquets, and Lewandowski set up Gavi for a calm left-foot finish past Courtois.
Just before halftime, Gavi returned the favor by sprinting away after being set up by Frenkie de Jong and putting the ball across the goal face to allow Lewandowski a tap-in due to further shoddy defending.
Following the break, Barca continued where they left off, with Courtois saving Madrid by stopping Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele.
When the Catalan giants scored again 69 minutes in, Pedri was there to flick in another precise ball from the superb Gavi after Los Blancos were once more fouled in possession.
Although Benzema scored with precision in stoppage time, Barca was already in the lead and their only worry was Ronald Araujo's late limp. Marc-Andre ter Stegen made a superb one-handed save to stop Rodrygo's drive.
BARCA SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS XAVI'S FIRST TROPHY.
Barca defeated Madrid to win their first major trophy since winning the Copa del Rey in April 2021, sending a message as they try to unseat Madrid for the LaLiga crown with a three-point advantage at the top of the standings.
In the league, Los Blancos defeated the Blaugrana 3-1 in October, but this time was different because it was their second victory over them in nine Clasico games.
Madrid had reached five straight finals across all competitions, but they were outmatched and did themselves no favors by being unable to handle Barca's ferocity.
IT'S FUN TO WATCH GAVI.
Gavi, who is only 18 years old, has a promising future and maturity far above his years.
He gave Barca the lead with a composed finish before switching to a support role for Lewandowski and Pedri. He worked hard off the ball and posed a serious threat when he had the ball. He made three chances and caused a variety of issues.
IT'S A BAD MORNING
At the center of a fragile Madrid defense, Rudiger struggled mightily; his errant ball, meant for Eduardo Camavinga, resulted in the first goal.
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