Marcus Rashford scored his first goals for Barcelona – including a sensational strike from outside the box – as Newcastle United’s return to the Champions League ended in defeat at St James’ Park, despite a late rally after Anthony Gordon pulled one back.
Rashford broke the deadlock just before the hour-mark as he steered a bullet header past goalkeeper Nick Pope for his first Champions League in almost four years, and his first for Barcelona since joining from Manchester United this summer.
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And the England international doubled Barcelona’s lead with an even better goal a few minutes later as he unleashed an unstoppable, dipping shot from the edge of the box off the underside of the crossbar, leaving Pope with no chance.
Newcastle had been competitive against the Spanish champions until that point and had the best chance of the first half as Anthony Elanga set up Harvey Barnes at the back post, only for Joan Garcia to save.
Newcastle’s first match in the Champions League in two years was met by a ferocious atmosphere at St James’ Park, with Gordon finishing off a swift move late on to give the hosts some late hope, but the night belonged to Rashford.
Unsurprisingly, Marcus Rashford is named player of the match.
“It’s great to see him do well,” says Joe Cole on TNT Sports. “When he’s at the top of his game he can be unstoppable. It’s great to see him smiling. When he’s at his best he can be an England starter, a Barcelona starter, he can play for any team in the world.”
The Manchester United loanee was appearing on English soil in a Barcelona shirt for the first time.
He certainly enjoyed the familiar surroundings as he scored both goals for his new team.
Newcastle fans will be sick of the sight of him.
The Independent
