Football Match Result: Barcelona prevails over Newcastle United in Champions League opener, thanks to Marcus Rashford's double score, the England international on loan from Manchester United.
Marcus Rashford Shines as Barcelona Overcome Newcastle in Champions League
Marcus Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, scored a brace to lead Barcelona to a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United in the Champions League. The win extends Barcelona's strong start to La Liga, where they have won three out of four games.
In the 58th minute, Rashford opened the scoring, burying a powerful header past Newcastle keeper Nick Pope from 12 yards. His second goal came in the 67th minute, as he glided past Sandro Tonali and unleashed a fierce strike that found the top corner.
Newcastle's Anthony Gordon scored a consolation goal in the closing stages, but it was not enough to salvage a point for the Magpies. Joelinton had a good headed chance from a corner, but missed it.
Rashford has often troubled Newcastle, scoring his seventh career goal against them. His performance against the Magpies suggests he could be on the verge of a long-awaited career renaissance with Barcelona.
This was not the first time Rashford has caused problems for Newcastle. In September 1997, Faustino Asprilla's hat-trick inspired a 3-2 Champions League group stage win for Newcastle against Barcelona. However, Rashford's first goals for Barcelona in the Champions League ensured that history would not repeat itself this time around.
United have no European football this season and are struggling in the Premier League. Rashford's first goals in the Champions League since 2021 will have been a difficult sight for Manchester United fans. Barcelona are expected to be among the leading contenders this season in the Champions League, but have not reached the final since their victory in 2015.
Barcelona's strong form without Spain forward Lamine Yamal was on display, as Rashford's double ensured they continued their impressive run. Newcastle, on the other hand, failed to make it out of the group stage in the 2023-24 Champions League season.
Rashford was loaned to Barcelona in July after falling out of favor with Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim. Despite his struggles in recent years, with claims he is no longer focused on his career, Rashford's performance against Newcastle shows that he still has the talent to make a significant impact in the world of football.
