"Barcelona's Champions League night took an unexpected turn when Eric Garcia was forced to leave the pitch after feeling dizzy, prompting him to ask for a substitution. With the score at 0-1 and anxiety spreading through the team, the situation was far from comfortable. Into that demanding scenario stepped Marc Bernal, introduced at half-time and immediately thrown into one of his toughest tests since returning from injury."
"For a young pivot, the challenge was even greater due to the surrounding pieces. This is because Pedri was unavailable, removing a natural partner who usually helps manage rhythm and possession, and Frenkie de Jong was suspended. Instead, Bernal found himself flanked by Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez, two players whose instinct is to attack space and push forward rather than slow the game down. In simple terms, Bernal had to organise Barcelona when most of those around him wanted to accelerate."
"His first actions showed personality. Early in the second half, he tried his luck with a powerful shot from outside the box, forcing the Copenhagen goalkeeper into a save. Bernal finished the match with 36 interventions, completing 25 of his 30 passes and making three recoveries. He committed just one foul and was not dribbled past once."
Eric Garcia left the pitch feeling dizzy with Barcelona trailing 0-1, forcing an unplanned halftime change. Marc Bernal was introduced to play as a central midfielder despite the absence of Pedri and the suspension of Frenkie de Jong. Bernal was tasked with providing control and calm while flanked by Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez, whose instincts favor attacking space. He showed personality with a long-range attempt, completed 25 of 30 passes, made three recoveries, registered 36 interventions, committed one foul, and was not dribbled past, demonstrating discipline after injury.
Read at Barca Universal
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