Barcelona youngster Marc Bernal celebrates ‘dream’ achievement with inaugural goal
Marc Bernal experienced a remarkable moment as the midfielder advanced his recovery from an ACL injury by netting his inaugural goal for Barcelona in Saturday’s 3-0 LaLiga victory over Mallorca.
At 18 years old, Bernal came off the bench to score the third goal, following efforts from Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal, as Barça increased their lead at the top of the standings to four points ahead of Real Madrid’s match against Valencia on Sunday.
After suffering an ACL tear in only his third senior appearance for Barça in 2024, the young player returned to the field at the end of September but has been utilized sparingly by coach Hansi Flick as he regains his match fitness.
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“It was very special to score my first goal for Barcelona,” Bernal shared with reporters.
“I noticed the space when Fermín [López] received the ball and made a run into it. I intended to shoot with my right foot, but opted to cut back and take it with my left.
“It took a deflection, but that’s alright; it was an incredible moment. It’s something you can hardly even envision as a dream when you’re a child.
“When I scored, I reflected a lot on the challenging times over the past year. I also thought about my family.”
Bernal’s playing time has been carefully managed since his return, but he has now participated in Barça’s last six matches, although he has only played over an hour in one of those games.
“From the beginning [of my comeback], I understood it would be a gradual process,” he added. “I am in good condition now. I am getting more minutes and making the most of them as much as I can.”
Flick was also pleased to witness him score his first goal for the club.
“You could see on the bench how much it meant; everyone stood up, applauding and celebrating,” the Barça coach stated in a news conference.
“For him, it was incredible to score his first goal at Camp Nou. He performed very well. It is the next step for him to return to the highest level.”
Bernal secured the points for Barça after Lewandowski and Yamal had both raised their goal tallies in LaLiga this season to double figures.
Yamal’s goal was particularly impressive, struck from 30 yards. It marked his sixth goal in seven games and his 15th in 30 appearances this season.
However, the final score masked a lackluster first half from Barça, with Flick assuring that they will perform significantly better from the outset when they face Atlético Madrid on Thursday in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semifinal.
“I was not satisfied with the first half,” Flick remarked. “The players were not at our level, lacking dynamism, and the play and passing were too slow.
“But, in the end, three more points, three goals, and a clean sheet, so I must say it’s a good day for us.
“I believe against Atlético we will see a different team from the first minute. I wanted to see this today, but I understand that these things can occur when you have so many matches.”
