Marc Bernal has been gradually finding his best level this season, showing glimpses of something special despite being given limited minutes. Manager Hansi Flick has long admired Bernal’s talent but has reintegrated him into the team with caution — a strategy that now appears to be paying off. Most of Bernal’s playing time so far has come in the Copa del Rey, where fixtures against lower-ranked opponents allowed Flick to hand the youngster meaningful minutes.
Last weekend Bernal made a statement in Barcelona’s game against Mallorca, scoring the third goal with an excellent solo run and looking physically at his best. According to SPORT, that strong display has left Flick with a tough decision: should Bernal start again in the Copa for a fourth consecutive match?
Atlético Madrid represent a significant step up from the opponents Bernal faced earlier in the cup — Guadalajara, Racing Santander and Albacete — so the night will be a sterner test. Complicating the selection further, Pedri is unavailable and Frenkie de Jong is dealing with a niggle, making the idea of handing Bernal a start more tempting.
Flick’s options are clear. One possibility is to replace de Jong with Bernal and pair him with Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez in midfield to provide extra defensive solidity to the team. Another is to deploy the La Masia graduate alongside the Dutchman in a double pivot, prioritising control in midfield. Given this is the first leg of the semi-final, Barcelona do not necessarily need to attack with full force from the outset, and one of Dani Olmo or Fermin Lopez could be sacrificed to accommodate tactical balance.
It’s a significant call for Flick, and only time will tell whether Bernal is deemed ready to start such a high-intensity match. His recent performances, however, offer encouraging signs.
Published: 42 minutes ago, 10/02/2026. By: Adithya Eshwarla.
