Marcus Rashford announced his arrival at Barcelona in spectacular fashion, scoring twice to seal a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United in their UEFA Champions League group opener at St James’ Park on Thursday night.
The England international, on loan after poor from at Manchester United, netted both goals in the second half to mark his first Champions League strikes since 2021. His brace came within nine minutes, silencing the home crowd and handing Barcelona a crucial away win.
Newcastle, making their second consecutive appearance in the Champions League, pulled one back late on through Anthony Gordon, but it was not enough to rescue a point.
Rashford, 27, had struggled for form at Manchester United last season and was loaned out to Aston Villa before being sent to Barcelona this term. His lively display in Tyneside suggested a fresh chapter in his career, with Thursday’s double making it seven goals in total against Newcastle across his career.
Barcelona, semi-finalists last season, were without teenage sensation Lamine Yamal due to injury, but manager Hansi Flick’s men showed resilience after a sluggish first half. Jules Kounde provided the assist for Rashford’s opener in the 58th minute, before the forward produced a moment of brilliance nine minutes later, gliding past Sandro Tonali and rifling into the top corner from distance.
Although Gordon’s late strike set up a tense finish, Barcelona held firm to claim three points. The victory boosts their bid to return to the Champions League final for the first time since 2015.
For Newcastle, the result is a setback in their quest to advance from the group stage, following last season’s early exit.
BBC