Marc Bernal wore the Fútbol Club Barcelona jersey again more than a year after his serious injury. The midfielder from Berga, who had not played an official match since August 27, 2024, reappeared this Sunday at the Estadi Johan Cruyff against Valencia and made an immediate impact: assisting Lewandowski for the sixth goal of the thrashing (6-0).
The return of Marc Bernal is one of the most positive news for the Blaugrana team at the start of LaLiga 2025/26. The youth player, who has overcome a long recovery from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus injury, received medical clearance on Saturday and just 24 hours later Hansi Flick returned the confidence in the fourth matchday of the championship.
A return awaited by all Barcelona fans
Bernal entered the field in the 81st minute, replacing Pedri, with the score already decided (5-0). The reaction of the public was immediate: a standing ovation and the entire bench standing to celebrate his return.
Just a few minutes later, Barça's number 22 filtered a precise pass that allowed Lewandowski to score the definitive 6-0, crowning a perfect night.
The curious fact is that Valencia was also a protagonist in Bernal's official debut with the first team. Last season, on the opening day, the Catalan made his debut in LaLiga precisely against the 'ches'. Now, after 383 days, his fourth official match with Barça has once again been against the Valencians.
The injury that stopped his progress
On August 27, 2024, in a match against Rayo Vallecano in Vallecas, Bernal suffered a devastating injury to his left knee: rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and associated damage to the external meniscus. That misfortune forced him to undergo surgery and face a recovery process that has lasted more than a year.
His return not only strengthens Barça's midfield, but also symbolizes the perseverance and faith in the work of La Masia. At just 19 years old, the midfielder now faces a new stage in which he will seek to consolidate himself in the elite.
Debut of number and confidence of Flick
The reappearance of Marc Bernal coincided with the debut of his new number 22, number that he will defend from this season with a first team record. Hansi Flick, who in the preview had already anticipated that his next step would be “to be more and more prepared”, kept his word by giving him minutes in an ideal match to recover sensations.
The German coach is confident that the player can gradually gain prominence, taking advantage of a demanding calendar that includes LaLiga and Champions League commitments. Bernal's versatility and quality can become a valuable resource in the Blaugrana rotation.
Marc Bernal: a promising future in the center of the Barcelona field
The return of Bernal opens new options for a Barça that seeks balance between young talents and established players. His style, marked by defensive intensity, vision of the game and arrival in the area, is reminiscent of the profile of historical midfielders trained at La Masia.
The challenge now will be to regain competitive rhythm and demonstrate that he is ready to compete at the highest level. Flick himself insisted that he will be dosed to avoid risks, but what was seen against Valencia confirms that his evolution is on the right track.
Marc Bernal's numbers with Barça
To date, Bernal has already played four official matches with the first team, in which he has shown glimpses of his potential. The assist to Lewandowski, after more than a year in dry dock, is the best cover letter for what is to come.
- Official matches with the first team: 4
- Assists: 1
- Serious injury: August 2024 – September 2025
- Current number: 22
The return of Marc Bernal is a morale boost for Barça and its fans. After 383 days of absence, the youth player returns with more enthusiasm than ever and with a promising future ahead.
In a team that seeks to reaffirm its leading role in LaLiga and the Champions League, Bernal's contribution could become one of the great news of the season.
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