Marc Bernal elated after Barcelona comeback – ‘Something I’ll always remember’ | OneFootball

Sunday night at Estadi Johan Cruyff was a special one for FC Barcelona midfield prodigy Marc Bernal as he made his comeback onto the field vs Valencia, 383 days after suffering an ACL injury against Rayo Vallecano.

The 18-year-old midfield prodigy came on in the final ten minutes wearing the number 22 of the first team and was met with a thunderous ovation.

The bench rose to its feet, the crowd at Estadi Johan Cruyff erupted – applauding Pedri at the same time – and Bernal smiled, fully aware that he was living a moment he had dreamed of countless times during a long and difficult year.

Bernal overjoyed

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 (h/t SPORT).

Bernal acknowledged that the road that led him here was far from easy, but is happy to have finally ended the year-long ordeal.

“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.

The special moment. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

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.”

The La Masia midfield talent also granted a short interview to Barça One after the game, where he once again expressed his happiness on being back.

“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.