Marc Bernal responds to Sergio Busquets comparisons after Barcelona beat Osasuna

Barcelona’s teenage midfielder Marc Bernal underlined his growing influence on Sunday, breaking the deadlock in a La Liga victory over Osasuna that lifted Hansi Flick’s side back to the summit of the table. The 17-year-old’s second goal of the campaign arrived after a bright start from the visitors, and it proved the catalyst for a composed performance that secured all three points at Camp Nou.

Speaking after the match, Bernal was quick to play down suggestions that he is following in the footsteps of club icon Sergio Busquets. “Comparisons with Busquets? It’s way too early,” he said. “I want to carve my own path and he’s a reference, an idol. Being compared to him means you’re doing things right.”

Bernal’s strike came inside the opening exchanges, settling any early nerves after Osasuna had threatened inside the first minute. “My goal helped us gain composure and confidence,” he acknowledged. “We’ve been talking these past few weeks. They would be playing deep, and we had to offer second-line runs. I think we managed to control their marking well, and it went very well for us.”

The midfielder dedicated his finish to two key figures in his rehabilitation from injury. “I thought a lot about my dad and my physio during the celebration. He told me I would score and has helped me a lot in this process.”

Bernal, who only recently returned to full fitness, is embracing the competition for places in Flick’s squad. “Scoring at the Camp Nou is special. This is Barça, and the competition here is very high. Everyone has to find their best form. That’s how it’s going to be.”

With a rare free week ahead, Barcelona will now prepare for next weekend’s home encounter against Villarreal, buoyed by a return to the top of the standings and another promising display from their emerging midfield talent.