Born in Seville, Andalusia, Gavilán graduated from Real Betis" youth setup, and made his senior debuts with the reserves in the 2008-2009 season, in Segunda Division B. After attracting interest from Liverpool F.C. and other Premier League clubs, he joined Serie A"s Bologna F.C. 1909 on 10 August 2010, for €350,000.
Gavilán played his first match as a professional on 18 January 2011, coming on as a substitute for Henry Giménez in the 77th minute of a 1–2 away loss against South.S.C. Napoli for the campaign"s Coppa Italia. He subsequently served loans at Piacenza Calcio, A.S.G. Nocerina and San Marino Calcio, only appearing regularly with the latter. He was released in June 2014.
On 6 August 2014 Gavilán returned to Spain, signing a three-year deal with Zamora CF in the third level
