Marcus Rashford marked his Champions League debut for Barcelona with a stunning double as the Spanish champions defeated Newcastle United 2-1 at St James’ Park on Thursday night.
The England forward, on loan from Manchester United, silenced a buoyant home crowd with two second-half strikes that ensured Hansi Flick’s side made a winning start to their group campaign.
Rashford’s display came in front of national team manager Thomas Tuchel, who watched on from the stands.
Rashford delivers in clinical strikes
Newcastle, playing their first Champions League match against Barcelona at home in two decades, started with much energy and pressed the visitors high in the opening stages.
Anthony Gordon, deployed as a false nine, spurned an early chance after misjudging a cross from Anthony Elanga.
Barcelona gradually gained control of possession, with Rashford threatening before the interval but dragging a shot wide.
The breakthrough came in the 58th minute when Jules Kounde delivered an accurate cross that Rashford headed into the far corner.
Moments later, the 26-year-old doubled his tally, cutting inside from the left before firing a deflected strike that cannoned in off the underside of the bar.
The brace capped a strong individual performance for the English forward, helping him reignite his career away from Old Trafford.
Gordon’s Reply not enough for hosts
Newcastle halved the deficit late on through Gordon, who converted Jacob Murphy’s cross at the back post.
Despite a late push, Eddie Howe’s men could not find an equaliser.