Barcelona’s young midfielder Marc Bernal is eagerly anticipating the chance to play his first official Clásico with the senior squad. The La Masia graduate told club media that facing Real Madrid at the Camp Nou in such a high-stakes match would be “something unique and very special.”
Bernal explained that Clásico matches are ingrained in players from an early age at Barcelona’s academy, but experiencing it as a first-team footballer completely changes the magnitude of the occasion. “Since I was a kid, you dream of matches like this, and being able to live it with our fans makes it even more special,” the Catalan midfielder conveyed.
Having missed several key games last season due to injury, Bernal is now fully recovered and available for coach Hansi Flick during this decisive stretch. However, breaking into the midfield lineup remains a challenge, with established names like Pedri, Gavi, and Frenkie de Jong ahead in the pecking order.
The young talent also sent a message of confidence to Barcelona supporters ahead of the clash. “Be with us and trust in the team because it could be a very beautiful day,” he said.
Although he has yet to feature in an official Clásico, Bernal has already faced Real Madrid during Barcelona’s summer tour in 2024 in New York City, a friendly that ended in a win for the Blaugrana.