VALLADOLID: Spain beat Georgia 3-1 in their final Euro 2024 qualifying Group A match but their celebrations were muted because of an apparently serious knee injury to Barcelona midfielder Gavi.

Spain, already assured of top spot, finished with 21 points after seven wins in eight matches, having lost only to second-placed Scotland, who had also already qualified for the finals and ended with 17 points after a 3-3 draw with Norway.

Georgia finished fourth with eight points, three behind Norway in third, 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, who plays for Barcelona, left the pitch in tears during the first half while grabbing his knee in pain.

De la Fuente said: “It is a very difficult moment for Gavi, Barcelona, the national team and for me, it seems as if we have lost the game. This is the ugly part of football. I am 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.”

Spain grabbed the lead in the fourth minute after a free kick from Ferran Torres on the left was headed home by Robin Le Normand for his first international goal.

Georgia levelled six minutes later following a quick break and simple finish from forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia before Gavi was injured in a collision with an opponent.

The hosts restored their lead 10 minutes into the second half with a header from Torres, who celebrated by holding up the number nine jersey of his Barca team mate Gavi.

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

The other group game saw Scotland finish their qualification campaign with a frenetic 3-3 home draw against Norway at Hampden Park.

With qualification already assured for next year’s European Championship in Germany, Scotland twice came from a goal down and Stuart Armstrong’s effort on the hour looked as though it would earn a sixth victory from eight Group A games.

But Mohamed Elyounoussi’s header in the 86th minute secured third-placed Norway a point.

The result meant Scotland finished the group in second place with 17 points, four points behind group winners Spain.

There was a party mood before kickoff but Norway, without injured striker Erling Haaland, were not just there to make up the numbers. The Scandinavians went ahead after three minutes when Aron Donnum struck a shot that went in off the post.

John McGinn equalised from the penalty spot after 13 minutes following a handball but the Norwegians were ahead again shortly afterwards when Strand Larsen poked an effort over the line.

Scotland were level at the break though after Leo Ostigard inadvertently turned a Scott McTominay corner into his own goal.

Chances continued to be created at both ends after the break with a draw just about the right result, meaning Scotland’s only loss in the group was away to Spain.

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