Marcus Rashford continues dream Barcelona spell | OneFootball

Marcus Rashford wrote himself into Barcelona history after scoring a brilliant free-kick in their title-winning victory over rivals Real Madrid, as Hansi Flick’s side secured their 29th La Liga crown with three games still left to play.

The England forward opened the scoring in El Clasico before Ferran Torres added a second in a comfortable win at the Nou Camp. Rashford’s strike was his 14th goal of an impressive campaign in Spain, with the 27-year-old also providing 12 assists across 47 appearances in all competitions.

But it was the significance of the goal that really stood out.

Rashford became just the second English player to score for Barcelona in El Clasico since Gary Lineker managed it nearly 40 years ago.

Lineker played for Barcelona between 1986 and 1989 after joining from Everton and remains one of the most recognisable English players to have represented the Catalan giants. While he never won La Liga during his time in Spain, he did lift the Copa del Rey in 1988 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1989.

Rashford, though, has already enjoyed league success in Catalonia.

Since arriving on loan from Manchester United FC, the forward has helped Barcelona win both the Supercopa de España and now La Liga, becoming one of the standout players in Flick’s side along the way.

The title win also puts Rashford into an exclusive group of English players to win Spain’s top division. He becomes only the sixth Englishman to lift the La Liga trophy, following Laurie Cunningham, Steve McManaman, David Beckham, Kieran Trippier and Jude Bellingham.

Despite his excellent season, there is still uncertainty over Rashford’s future.

Barcelona have the option to sign him permanently from Manchester United for around £28 million when his loan deal ends this summer, although it remains unclear whether they will trigger the clause.

Asked about his future after the match, Rashford admitted he would happily stay in Spain if given the chance.

“I don’t know,” he said. “I’m not a magician but if I was, I would stay at Barcelona. We will see.

"Football is unpredictable but for now, I will just enjoy it, live in the moment and reassess at the end of the season and see what is possible."