Barcelona’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Valencia on Sunday night has left the Catalan giants buzzing, but the biggest cheer of the evening was reserved for a story of resilience rather than the avalanche of goals.
With the title race heating up, Hansi Flick’s men continue to showcase their attacking depth, while the club’s famed La Masia academy keeps producing talents ready to seize the spotlight.
Injuries have tested Barcelona’s squad in recent weeks, yet the next generation has stepped up when needed, proving the future remains bright.
The energy inside the Estadi Johan Cruyff was electric as fans sensed they were about to witness a special moment that would be remembered beyond the scoreline.
Eighteen-year-old Marc Bernal, the highly rated midfield prodigy, completed an emotional comeback after spending 383 days on the sidelines recovering from an ACL injury suffered against Rayo Vallecano.
Wearing the number 22 of the first team, he stepped onto the pitch for the final ten minutes to a thunderous ovation.
The bench rose to its feet, the crowd at Estadi Johan Cruyff erupted – applauding Pedri at the same time – and Marc Bernal smiled, fully aware that he was living a moment he had dreamed of countless times during a long and difficult year.
Bernal’s return could not have been better: a perfect assist for Robert Lewandowski for the sixth goal, a pinpoint pass to his feet that the Pole finished with a lob.
The goal required VAR confirmation before sparking wild celebrations in the stands.
“It’s a unique feeling, I’m very happy to be back.
“They’ve made me very happy, and it’s something I’ll always remember,” he confessed on TV3 via SPORT.
“It’s been a long, hard process, especially at the beginning. Little by little, I started to feel better, and today has been a very special day,” he said.
Regarding Barcelona taking a cautious approach with his comeback, Bernal remarked: “I wasn’t in a hurry, but I was really looking forward to it.
“I felt good and wanted to play.
“The manager made the decision and I’m very happy to be back today, here, against Valencia.
“I’m not in a hurry, really, I’m going through my process.
“These are the first few minutes, game by game, and I’m fully confident.”
“I’m very happy, very pleased. All my teammates and staff came to congratulate me,” said Bernal.
“It’s been a very tough road, a difficult process, but today ended with a very beautiful day.
“It’s helped me become stronger, to get to know myself better,” the youngster explained.
“I’m happy with the support, but above all with the three points.
“I thought about my family, especially my mother, with whom I spent a month locked in a hotel, and also the physiotherapist Borja, who suffered more than me,” Bernal concluded.
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