Spain star Gavi could MISS Euro 2024 after being subbed off in tears with a ‘serious’ knee injury in the win against Georgia… as Ferran Torres pays tribute to his Barcelona teammate with emotional goal celebration

Spain defeated Georgia 3-1 on Sunday in their final Group A qualifier for the 2024 European Championship in a bittersweet victory for the home side after Barcelona star Gavi suffered a serious knee injury.

Spain, already assured of first place, finished with 21 points after seven wins in eight matches, having lost only to second-placed Scotland, who had also already qualified for the final, finishing with 17 points after a 3- 3 draw with Norway.

Georgia finished fourth with eight points, three behind Norway in third place, while Cyprus were bottom without a point.

But for Spain coach Luis de la Fuente it was the most bitter victory of his career after 19-year-old Gavi left the field in tears in the first half as he clutched his knee in pain.

“It is a very difficult moment for Gavi, Barcelona and the national team and for me it seems like we have lost the match,” De la Fuente told a news conference.

The Barcelona midfielder lay down in terror before leaving the field in tears

Gavi appeared clearly in distress as his knee was examined by medical staff

‘This is the ugly part of football. I’m very sorry.

‘Let’s wait for the tests to confirm the extent of the injury. This is the most bitter victory I have ever experienced in my life.”

The Royal Spanish Football Federation confirmed that Gavi has suffered a serious injury to his right knee.

“It is a serious injury to his right knee, but we have to wait and see how bad it actually is,” said a short statement.

Spain took the lead in the fourth minute after Ferran Torres’ free-kick on the left was headed in by Robin Le Normand for his first international goal.

Georgia leveled six minutes later after a quick break and a simple finish from striker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia before Gavi was injured in a collision with an opponent.

‘We can’t celebrate the way we would have liked. Gavi’s injury is a hard blow, I am really devastated,” said Le Normand.

“It wasn’t my best match with the national team, there are things that could be better.”

Ferran Torres celebrated his goal by holding his teammate’s shirt in tribute

The hosts restored their lead ten minutes into the second half with a header from Torres, who celebrated by holding up the number nine shirt of his Barcelona teammate Gavi.

Georgia’s Luka Lochoshvili put the ball in his own net in the 72nd minute to seal the Spaniards’ victory.

“An important win to end on a high note, but we leave with a bittersweet feeling because of Gavi’s injury,” said Torres.

“We don’t know the extent of the injury, but knowing how much of a warrior Gavi is, we think it could be serious.”