Marc Bernal pulled on his kit again 28 days after his last appearance. The FC Barcelona midfielder came on in the 88th minute in place of Pedri in the 2-1 win at Osasuna, clocking close to ten minutes of playing time, an ideal first step to regain his rhythm in this final stretch of the season.

Bernal, who returned this season after a serious knee injury that had ruled him out for the entire previous campaign, had been gradually growing in importance under Hansi Flick. Adapting to the pace of competition and establishing himself as a key presence in midfield, the young midfielder had become particularly important in this decisive phase of the season.

In the Liga match against Atlético Madrid on 4 April, he had to go off in the 62nd minute after twisting his left ankle, and would spend almost a month on the sidelines.

Having been given the medical all-clear ahead of the clash with Osasuna, Bernal's comeback comes at a crucial moment, with four league matches still to be played, and the Liga title well within touching distance.

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