Career
Born in Velada, Province of Toledo, Bernabé played for some local clubs in his beginnings, before joining Atlético Madrid at the age of 18 and going through its various youth levels. In the 2008-2009 season he was promoted to the first team due for preseason in Mexico, but spent the campaign mainly registered with the B-side while having third-choice duties with the main squad, behind established Leo Franco and Grégory Coupet. In June 2009 Bernabé was released by the Colchoneros, joining second division"s UD Salamanca.
He played in only seven league games in his first two years combined, with the second ending in relegation.
His debut as a professional occurred on 2 September 2009 in a 1–1 home draw against Civil Defense Castellón for the Copa del Rey, and he first appeared in the league 18 days later, in a 0–1 home loss to UD Las Palmas. Bernabé was part of the Spanish under-19 squad at the 2006 Union of European Football Associations European Championship, where the nation emerged victorious.
The following year, again as backup, he was selected for the 2007 Fédération internationale de football association U-20 World Cup.