Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Tuesday was overshadowed by a serious injury to promising midfielder Marc Bernal.
The 17-year-old, who has been a standout in Barca's strong start to the season, left the field in pain during the final minutes, sparking fears of a long-term absence.
Marc Bernal, who has started all three of Barcelona’s league games this season, suffered a suspected anterior cruciate ligament injury, which could sideline him for the majority of the season.
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Bernal’s injury casts a shadow on Barca’s bright start
Coach Hansi Flick expressed his concern during a post-match press conference, admitting that the atmosphere in the dressing room was far from celebratory despite the win.
"It's a sad victory because Marc Bernal is injured, and it looks not so good," Flick said. "We have to wait and see how heavy it is. We win, it's OK, but when you see the dressing room, nobody is happy."
Bernal’s injury comes at a challenging time for Barcelona, with key midfielders Frenkie de Jong and Gavi also out due to injuries.
Despite these setbacks, Flick remains confident in the squad’s depth, stating that the club will not rush into the transfer market for a replacement.
The match itself saw Dani Olmo score a crucial late goal on his debut, securing Barcelona’s third consecutive win and putting them at the top of the La Liga table.
However, the joy of victory was muted by the uncertainty surrounding Bernal’s condition, leaving the club and its fans anxiously awaiting further news.
