A Bet That Changed Us ︱Pablo Gavi

114: Love and passion

The morning of a match day always starts with a buzz of anticipation. The city seems to hum with an electric energy, and even the air feels charged. I wake up to the soft glow of morning light filtering through the hotel curtains, the sounds of the city coming alive outside. The team is staying in a hotel close to the stadium, and there's a sense of unity in everyone being together. I roll over to check my phone—messages from Mikky, Valentina, and some of the physio team are already popping up.

I swing my legs out of bed, the coolness of the floor beneath my feet snapping me awake. After a quick shower, I pull on a comfortable Barça hoodie and joggers, my mind already running through the checklist of everything I need to handle today. I meet up with Mikky and Valentina in the hallway; they're both dressed similarly, embodying the team spirit in blue and red.

"Ready for the day?" Mikky asks, her eyes bright with excitement.

"As ready as I'll ever be," I reply with a small smile. "Just hoping for no injuries and a solid win."

We head down to the dining hall together, where the rest of the team and staff are gathered for breakfast. The room is buzzing with low chatter, forks clinking against plates, and the occasional burst of laughter. The players are already fueling up—eggs, lean meats, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. The pre-match meal is crucial, and the nutrition team has ensured everything is perfect.

I spot Pablo sitting with Ansu, Balde, and Lamine. He catches my eye and sends me a warm smile. I walk over to him, planting a quick kiss on his cheek. "Hey, ready for today?" I ask.

"Always," he replies confidently. "We're going to give them a show today, right boys?"

Ansu and Balde nod enthusiastically, their eyes filled with the kind of determination that makes me feel like everything is possible.

After breakfast, the players have a light tactical meeting with Xavi to go over the final game plan and any adjustments. Meanwhile, the physio team, including myself, heads to a separate room to prep everything we need for the match—stretching bands, ice packs, emergency medical kits, and hydration supplies. Today is crucial; every player must be at their peak.

Once everything is ready, I make my rounds, checking in with each player. Frenkie is doing some stretches, Pedri is getting a final rubdown, and Ter Stegen is focusing on his hand-eye coordination drills. I pause by Pablo, who is doing a light stretch near the window.

"Feeling good?" I ask, my hand resting gently on his shoulder.

"Better now that you're here," he replies with a cheeky grin. I roll my eyes but smile, feeling a little of the morning tension ease.

By late morning, it's time to head to Camp Nou. The team bus is waiting outside the hotel, and as we file out, we're greeted by a sea of Barcelona fans. They're cheering, waving flags, and holding up banners—some of them with my face and the players' faces on them. I still can't get used to this level of passion from the fans.

We board the bus, and as it starts moving, I sit down in my usual spot with the rest of the physio team. I glance back and see Pablo a few rows behind, already with his headphones on, focused. I know he's visualizing the game, running through plays in his mind. The ride is relatively quiet, everyone in their own heads, mentally preparing for what's to come.

Upon arriving at Camp Nou, the energy is palpable. Even before we enter, we can hear the roar of the fans beginning to fill the stadium. We head straight to the locker rooms, where I set up my station. The players start changing into their training kits, getting taped up, and receiving last-minute checks. I make my way around, ensuring everyone is good to go.