Vivian returns to competitive action after lengthy absence

Vivian ended a lengthy spell without competitive football by starting against Getafe on Sunday in a match won by a wide margin. He lined up in central defence alongside Aitor Paredes. Yeray was among the substitutes, while Laporte watched from the stands as he served a one-match suspension following his sending-off at Ciutat de València.

Vivian had already played a few minutes in the Euskal Herria Txapela final, a friendly. His appearance against Getafe, however, was his return to competitive action after an injury at the start of pre-season and a pubalgia that had troubled him since the beginning of the year. The issue had prevented him from performing at his level with Valverde. His previous competitive appearance came on 23 May against Real Madrid, in the final round of the previous Liga season. Questions about a possible call-up for the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada were also among the concerns during his time out.

“It had been a long time without playing, months of work and sacrifice, but I felt very close to the group. I didn’t feel left out, as can happen when you’re injured. I experienced every match as if I were playing,” Vivian said. He was delighted to be back, while also referring to Galarreta’s injury, the win he said they had secured for Guruzeta, the debuts and Prados’s return.

The defender felt he had performed well, although Getafe created little danger. “For today, I’m at my best. It was my first match; I always work to reach my best level, and I still have room to improve. Competition is what brings back your rhythm and level,” he said. Vivian also believes the team can improve further: he said he had been impressed by his teammates’ work in training and noted that some results had not gone their way.

Laporte’s return makes competition among the central defenders stronger. Vivian sees that as motivation: “There are four central defenders of a very high level, but that should be a source of joy and motivation. You have to compete and be there every day.”

The emphatic win over Getafe finished 4-0. Berenguer, Iñaki Williams, Paredes—with Valou’s involvement—and Yuri scored.