Rashford shines: Double against Newcastle validates his signing by Barcelona

Rashford Responds: English Double Secures Barcelona Victory in Newcastle

The Barcelona striker, Marcus Rashford, responded decisively to the demand of his coach, Hansi Flick, scoring two crucial goals in the 2-1 victory against Newcastle United in the Champions League. Before the match, Flick had challenged Rashford to prove his worth in England. The player delivered handsomely, scoring two goals in the second half. The first, an impeccable header, and the second, a brilliant shot from outside the area that hit the crossbar before going in.

These goals, Rashford’s first with the Barcelona shirt since his arrival in the summer, secured an important European victory for Flick’s team in a match where Newcastle also played a prominent role. Although Anthony Gordon scored a goal in the 90th minute that generated tension in added time, Rashford’s performance was the key to the match.

After a discreet start at Barcelona, Rashford scored his first goal in his fifth match, becoming the first Englishman to score for the Catalan club in the European Cup since Gary Lineker in 1989.

“For me it was the first step. He has to take the next step. This match, these goals here in England against Newcastle for Barcelona in the first Champions League match of this season, is great. It gives him confidence in himself. This is the most important thing. But I’m not surprised. His skills are incredible and his finishing is incredible. For a striker, of course, it’s always good to score. I am very happy. He is an important player. When we talked before the season, about what we need for the team, we needed a player like him,” Flick declared after the match.

Hansi Flick

The most obvious recognition for Rashford from the local fans was the boos that accompanied his substitution in the final minutes of the match. Flick, hugging him on the sidelines, surely thought about how much Rashford likes to face Newcastle, with a total of 11 goals in 16 games against them. The importance of Rashford’s first goal, opening the scoring in a tight Champions League match, could not have been greater. The setting, in England, where he was sometimes criticized during his time at Manchester United, served to remind the world that he still has much to offer at the highest level. The absence of Lamine Yamal due to injury raised doubts about the performance of Barcelona’s attack in the northeast of England. However, Rashford, supported by Raphinha and Fermín López, along with Robert Lewandowski, dispelled those doubts. Rashford, now a Barcelona player, was the catalyst for an outstanding European performance in a match that was predicted to be one of the most complicated for Barcelona in the group stage. This is due to Newcastle’s improvement in recent years and the fervor of their fans, as well as the romanticism surrounding this match.

This encounter, although not the most common in European football, was special. The statue of Sir Bobby Robson, former coach of both teams, wore a half-scarf. Faustino Asprilla, present at the stadium, evoked memories of his hat-trick against Barcelona in 1997. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric. Newcastle had chances, but Barcelona held on and controlled the midfield with Pedri. Lewandowski, a confessed Newcastle fan, failed to score. However, Rashford did manage to break through the rival’s goal. After a cross from Koundé, Rashford connected with a header that put Barcelona ahead. Nine minutes later, he launched a powerful shot that went into the goal, unleashing the chants of “Rashford” from the visiting fans.

“It was a split second, I felt there was a gap. I thought ‘Try to take a shot’. Their player was trying to block it, so I tried to lift it. I knew that when I hooked it, it would be hard for the goalkeeper to stop it,” Rashford explained about his second goal.

Marcus Rashford

Gordon’s goal in the 90th minute and the seven minutes of added time added excitement to the end of the match, but Barcelona, led by Pedri, knew how to maintain the result and secure the victory, giving Rashford an unforgettable night.