Valencia CF28 June 2021

Gayà makes first appearance of Euro 2020 as Spain progress

The national team best Croatia 3-5 in extra time to reach the quarter final stage

Valencia CF captain José Luis Gayà played in Spain's thrilling Euro 2020 Last 16 game against Croatia, in which 'La Roja' eventually progressed to the quarter finals after extra time. The fullback featured for the first time in the competition, having not been used in the group stage.

Gayà played 78 minutes of the 3-5 win at Telia Parken in Copenhagen, despite suffering from discomfort. He was replaced by former Valencia CF player Jordi Alba.

The defender would even have an attempt on goal, saved by the Croatian keeper but put in on the follow-up by Pablo Sarabia.

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Curiously, Gayà's debut for Spain had come against Croatia, back on September 11th, 2018, in a 6-0 victory in the UEFA Nations League.

Spain will play the winners of the game between France and Switzerland in the quarter finals of the summer tournament.

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