Marc Bernal Scores and Stays Humble Amid Busquets Comparisons in Barcelona's Victory Over Osasuna

Young Barcelona star Marc Bernal humbly addresses Sergio Busquets comparisons while celebrating his goal in La Liga win over Osasuna, helping reclaim top spot.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 23, 2026, 5:02 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Barca Blaugranes.

Bernal Opens Scoring to Settle Nerves Early

Marc Bernal struck first for Barcelona in their La Liga encounter with Osasuna, providing an early breakthrough that shifted momentum firmly in the hosts' favor. According to Bernal, Osasuna created a dangerous opportunity right from the opening minute, but his goal allowed the team to settle, regain composure, and build confidence moving forward. The strike marked his second of the campaign and underlined his growing influence in the midfield since returning to action.

Young Midfielder Brushes Off Busquets Parallels with Grace

Post-match, Bernal faced questions about the frequent comparisons to Sergio Busquets, the iconic former Barcelona and Spain holding midfielder renowned for his game-reading and positional intelligence. "Comparisons with Busquets? It’s way too early. 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 told reporters. The response highlights the youngster's maturity, acknowledging Busquets as an idol while emphasizing his determination to forge a distinct identity rather than simply emulate a legend.

Strategic Adjustments Pay Dividends Against Osasuna's Setup

Barcelona's performance reflected careful preparation for Osasuna's approach, with the team focusing on exploiting spaces through second-line runs. Bernal noted that recent discussions within the squad centered on handling deep-lying opponents, and the players executed the plan effectively by controlling marking and maintaining possession dominance. This tactical discipline contributed to a solid team display, ensuring the visitors struggled to impose their game and allowing Barcelona to dictate terms throughout.