Marcus Rashford made all his doubters eat dust with his performance at St. James’ Park on Thursday night.
The Manchester United loanee scored two superb goals to give Barcelona a 2-1 victory over Newcastle on their opening night of the Champions League. And his performance showed exactly why Hansi Flick had worked so hard to get him to Camp Nou.
It was electric in Newcastle with the home fans basking in the glory of having their team back on the European stage. With legendary striker Faustino Asprilla sitting among the spectators.
The very same man that netted a hat trick against Barcelona in 1997 for Newcastle, history seemed to call once again for another night of magic.
Perfect for Revival Timing for Rashford
Hansi Flick’s signing of Rashford for Barcelona appeared wise from the first whistle. The German coach had hailed the new signing a day earlier.
ESPN quoted Flick: “He also has more potential he can show us. He wants to do this, of course. For me, it’s great to have him on my team.”
Those words rang very true when Rashford delivered the kind of performance that Barcelona desperately needed.
His pace and movement were a constant problem to the opposition throughout the evening.
Even more valuable was the fact that Lamine Yamal’s absence due to injury made Rashford’s contributions that much more important to the Spanish giants.
Goal.com previously knew Rashford would be “determined to make an impact” in the absence of Yamal.
The English star really lived up to those expectations through a performance that reminded everyone of his quality.
His clinical finishing and intelligent positioning were just what Barcelona had in mind when they pursued him for a loan deal.
His loan move from Manchester United did raise eyebrows among critics questioning whether he still had that burning desire and quality to play at the highest level.
And this performance was just the perfect answer against any such doubts.
Newcastle made a lot of good chances, but they couldn’t put it together when it came down to scoring.
Harvey Barnes got really close in that endeavor for Eddie Howe’s side, lifting the ball above Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García but just missing it with his shot beyond the post.
Barnes was also denied by García when clear through on goal in a counterattack.
Nicholas Woltemade’s entry from the bench added more of an attacking threat for Newcastle with their new signing.
The tall German striker brought a different look to their play. However, by the time he came into the game, Barcelona had already started dominating and building on their two goal lead.
Finally, Anthony Gordon had a consolation goal late in the game, and that proved that Newcastle has a never-say-die attitude.
The winger finished well at the far post after excellent work from substitute Jacob Murphy. The strike came too late to change the outcome, with Barcelona already in control of the match.
Sandro Tonali dominated the Newcastle midfield in the game. A World Cup winner with Italy and respondent with class with good passes and tackles.
The Italian international’s performance proved to be the best amongst the midfielders in the country. And if Newcastle want to shine anywhere in the UEFA Champions League, they will have to rely on such performances.
Goals That Made History
Marcus Rashford had his best goal from great beauty. The England forward showed perfect movement to lose his marker before meeting Jules Koundé’s perfectly weighted cross.
His glancing header was powered and precise enough to flash past Newcastle keeper Nick Pope, coming at precisely the right time for such a match.
His second strike was superior. He had a shot from 20 yards, and it crashed off the underside of the crossbar and bounced over to cross the goal line.
Such are shots that separate the world-class from the also-rans. Flick had praised his shooting in training, saying it was “unbelievable,” and this goal proved it was not empty praise.
According to World Soccer Talk, “Rashford double makes history with the Champions League brace vs. Newcastle, ending 36-year Barcelona drought.”
That was extra as well, part of the already remarkable deed. After some criticism over the past months, scoring two on his debut against Barcelona is precisely the response.
FC Barcelona’s official website terms the participant an “excellent finisher” who “can play anywhere up front.” Both goals served this versatility most appropriately.
His intelligent movement and soundness of finishing remind all, again, of Marcus Rashford’s scoring over a hundred goals for Manchester United during his time at Old Trafford.
The quality of Barcelona’s build-up play was visible throughout the match. Lamine Yamal missed, and yet they proved their tactical discipline, which made them European champions five times. Raphinha was hurt down the wing on the right all evening with troubles against Newcastle.
Lewandowski is the experience Barcelona has in their attack. The Polish striker did not score, but his movement and link-up play diverted pressure from Rashford and created space for him to attack.
His partnership with Rashford looks promising for the rest of the season. Flick freed Rashford from marking by allowing him to swing wide into one of the spaces between the Newcastle lines.
It was fortunate flexibility in not allowing the home side to make it into a one-man game. Such faith in his new signing has been fulfilled by the German tactician.
This victory puts Barcelona in a very beautiful position early in their Champions League campaign.
Being in contention in that experience with the aid of Rashford makes them strong favorites for the title.
Flick must be particularly proud of the ease with which his new signing adapted to the way of playing in Barcelona.
Sting, though, should take away from the defeat the many positives that one could draw from their performance.
They gave a very good showing against one of the top teams in Europe and created plenty of chances for which they could have taken something from the game.
The experience will be useful as they pursue their journey in Europe.
The tactics of Eddie Howe were rightly set for most parts of the match. The opposition pressed Barcelona high up in the pitch, consequently tearing their passing rhythm apart.
It’s remarkable that they created a number of clear chances against this quality because it shows they can be in the right place at the very right time.
The crowd at St. James’ Park was magnificent for the whole match. They created an atmosphere in which most teams would be intimidated when visiting.
With supportive backing, the team remained under pressure even as Barcelona controlled possession. It promises more with future European nights in Newcastle.
There are indications that this performance can shape the future of Rashford on loan as it becomes a season for Barcelona.
The player gets a chance to rebuild confidence in himself and his reputation while Barcelona secures a certifiable goalscorer who is able to score in competitions of all formats.
Early signs show this will work like a charm. The Champions League campaign is just starting, but Marcus Rashford has already made his mark by scoring a brace.
Watch The Match Highlights
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