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1 month ago
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On Saturday, three young talents made their official debut with Barcelona, marking a significant milestone in their careers.
Marc Bernal, Gerard Martin, and Pau Victor all had the chance to showcase their skills in the opening match of the 2024-25 La Liga season, which ended in a 2-1 win over Valencia.
Bernal was the first to step onto the field. He was given the starting role by the manager. It must be noted that the midfielder joined Barcelona’s youth ranks at the age of 7 after moving from Gimnastic de Manresa.
Marc Bernal did not expect a first-team place
Marc Bernal made his Barcelona debut under Hansi Flick. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
Having bypassed the youth stage, he went straight from the cadet team to the reserve squad and reflecting on his debut, Bernal described it as,
“It is a special and unforgettable moment that you imagine and dream about since you were little,” he said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
“It helps you on a personal level and on the field; it makes all this as easy as possible. We talked about it with my teammates, like with Marc Casadó: last season was essential.
“So many years playing together with Lamine from a very young age and with Pau Cubarsí a little later makes everything very special,” he added.
Bernal admitted he was surprised to be included in the starting line-up but felt supported by his teammates, who encouraged him to stay calm and enjoy the experience.
“I didn’t expect it and I will always remember it. My team-mates helped me and told me not to be nervous and I tried to enjoy every moment.
“Giving a 17-year-old boy his debut is not easy and I will always be grateful to the manager for that. I see it as something unique,” he explained.
Gerard Martin exhilarated by the opportunity
Gerard Martin replaced Alejandro Balde against Valencia. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Martin, donning the number ’35’, was introduced in the 63rd minute of the game, replacing the injured Alejandro Balde at left-back.
The youngster, who has been a Barcelona supporter since a young age despite training at Cornella, was elated about the chance to play for the team he had always admired.
“I’ve been a Barça player since I was little and it’s a dream come true, it’s an honour to have had this opportunity,” he said.
“After the blow, Balde took in the first half, I went out to warm up. And in the second half, I was already more mentally prepared that maybe I had to play,” he added.
Concluding, he went on the thank former youth team coach Rafa Marquez and his coaching staff, saying, “I have noticed my improvement and I am very grateful to them.”
Pau Victor’s moment
Pau Victor made a late appearance for Barcelona against Valencia. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
Lastly, Victor made his debut in the 86th minute. He had been waiting on the sidelines, unsure if he would get a chance to play, but after a successful pre-season stint, the manager trusted his presence.
“I was on the sidelines, a little worried, I didn’t know if he would call me or not, I was nervous when he called me.
“Flick asked me to be myself, to press up because I was already missing out due to fatigue, and to be bold, to play my game, which is why I came on. And when you come on the nerves disappear and you focus on doing the best you can.”
“It’s another dream come true. I’m in a very good moment personally, enjoying football. You can’t ask for more when you make your debut with Barça in the League; it’s a moment I’ll always remember and I’ll want to keep working and improving,”
Victor acknowledged the support of his family, friends, and the coaching staff in his journey and expressed a strong desire to continue working hard and improving as a player.
“Last year we all grew a lot and we will remember it for the rest of our lives, the staff helped us a lot to grow in the reserve team.
“My partner, my parents, my brothers, who have been helping me all this time, are very happy about it, and my friends since I was a child,” he concluded.
