Barcelona battled to a 2-1 win over Newcastle at St. James’ Park, with Marcus Rashford delivering a decisive second-half brace that highlighted both the team’s strengths and areas needing improvement.
Newcastle began on the front foot, pressing high and unsettling Barça with their trademark physical intensity. For the opening quarter, Hansi Flick’s side were second best, struggling to win duels or control the tempo. But rather than rushing play, they showed composure, gradually slowing the game, circulating possession, and forcing Newcastle to chase. That tactical adjustment swung momentum firmly in their favour.
The breakthrough arrived when Raphinha, drifting inside, combined neatly with Kounde who swung a cross for Rashford to head home. His second, a fierce strike from distance, punished Newcastle as they overcommitted forward. With Lamine Yamal out injured, Barcelona’s attacking options were under scrutiny. Robert Lewandowski remained a focal point, but Rashford’s performance offered the variety needed to avoid over-reliance on the Polish striker.
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Possession control proved Barça’s greatest weapon. Frenkie de Jong’s deeper role helped recycle the ball, while Pedri and Fermín López provided energy in advanced areas. The full-backs pushed higher after halftime, pinning Newcastle’s wingers back and creating more space for Rashford and Raphinha. Flick’s tweaks ensured the visitors dictated tempo after a shaky start.
At the other end, goalkeeper Joan García was dependable, making a vital early save against Harvey Barnes. Yet defensive lapses still crept in, as Anthony Elanga and Barnes both found space before Newcastle snatched a late goal.
Barcelona will take confidence from their resilience and tactical flexibility, but they know sharper finishing is required. Several promising attacks fizzled out before Rashford’s brace, and against tougher opposition, wastefulness could prove costly.
Ultimately, the match underlined three key lessons: composure under pressure, the need for diverse attacking contributions in Yamal’s absence, and the importance of greater defensive focus. With Flick’s adjustments, Barcelona showed they can adapt to hostile environments but improvement in both boxes will define their progress this season.
