Santi Cazorla started a competitive football match for the first time in 668 days as Villarreal lost 2-1 in their La Liga opener at home to Real Sociedad.

Most expected the tiny Spaniard’s days of playing at the top level to be behind him after his horrific ordeal following Achilles’ surgery. Yet, here we are, 668 days after his last competitive game for Arsenal against Ludogorets in the Champions League.

Cazorla started the game and played 73 minutes before being replaced by Manuel Trigueros.

Looking at his stats, it’s clear that it wasn’t the classic Cazorla we are all used to seeing. He completed only 73.1% of his passes however he still managed to make a key pass and get two shots of his own away.

That he was able to return to play one minute or make one pass feels like something of a miracle.

Enjoy his personal highlights in the video below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLqtuPege1k