Dani Ceballos said there is no problem between him and Gavi despite their recent scuffle in Sunday night's El Clasico.
The former Arsenal loanee was a second half substitute for Real Madrid in their 2-1 defeat to Barcelona, which was sealed late on by a Franck Kessie stoppage time winner.
And despite entering the fray in the 76th minute, it didn't take Ceballos long to find himself in the thick of the action, appearing to shove Barca striker Robert Lewandowski at one stage. That earned him the wrath of Gavi, with 18-year-old barging into his fellow countryman seconds later, sending him to the ground.
Despite the fact Gavi escaped punishment, coupled with Barcelona's win – which puts them 12 points clear in La Liga and makes them huge title favourites – Ceballas was phlegmatic about the incident.
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Speaking to Marca, he revealed he was close friends with Gavi, with the pair living near each other and sharing positive "vibes". The pair will now team up in the Spain squad for their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Norway and Scotland.
Ceballos said: "We are from two towns that are next to each other. He lives 10 kilometers from where I live. You know how we are in the south. We are very hot. It's all working out."
On the incident – which initially prompted Ceballos to call for Gavi to be sent off – he added: "We have discussed it. Everything that happens on the pitch stays there.
"We have to go in the same direction. If the good atmosphere and good vibes don't work, I'm not going to run for him and he's not going to run for me.
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"This must be put aside. We share position. Now we are partners."
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Topics: Barcelona, Real Madrid, Gavi
Dominic Booth