On Thursday 2 November, Valencia CF arrived in Logroño to play the first round of the Copa del Rey 2023-24. A special match for Pablo Gozálbez, although he did not know it yet.

The young midfielder joined Valencia 14 seasons ago when he was just 7 years old. Gradually, he grew and developed at the VCF Academy, eventually leading VCF Mestalla. 

The reward for his perseverance, effort and hard work came last August with his first team debut in an official match against Sevilla FC at the Sánchez Pizjuan. It was a debut that he will remember, as he was one of the main players in the goals that gave the Valencia CF the win.

Thus, Gozálbez became the 111th VCF Academy player to make his debut in an official match since the official inauguration of the Ciutat Esportiva de Paterna in 1992.

However, the future still had another special moment in store for him with Valencia CF: his first goal in an official match with the first team. An experience that would come in the first round of the Copa del Rey 2023-24 against UD Logroñés at the Estadio Las Gaunas. 

The first half was nearing its end with a goalless scoreline. But a smart link-up between Yarek, Yaremchuk and 'Gozi' himself led to Valencia CF's first goal. Gozálbez took advantage of a rebound in the rival area and calmly put the ball into the back of the net with his left foot. A dream come true 15 years after his arrival at the Ciutat Esportiva de Paterna in 2008.

It gives me immense joy and pride. Above all, I'm happy about having helped the team to victory. We knew where we were coming to, and that it would be difficult opposition and a difficult pitch.

After so many years at the club, it has become my home, so it is a dream come true. The move was a ball that Yarek played through, I gave it to Yaremchuk and then I put it in off the rebound.

I dedicate the goal to my family, who have been here all the way with me, to my friends, the coaching staff -who are giving me a lot of confidence- and to all the people who have made it possible for me to be here. I'm going to keep this shirt.”

A family that has always been by the side of the young Valencia CF player and that, of course, did not fail in Logroño.

"I came along with my parents, my sister and her husband. We are a team and we always go wherever Pablo goes. We've just left work and we've already come down by car.

The match has been a mixture of desire, nerves and emotion. It's very nice that Baraja trusts in young people and that little by little he's giving them minutes. They have to enjoy them and make the most of them. We enjoyed my brother and the team", explained Elena Gozálbez, sister of the footballer.