Match Report: Marcus Rashford Shines as Barcelona Beat Newcastle United | OneFootball

Rashford Shines as Barcelona Edge Newcastle United in Champions League

Marcus Rashford announced himself in emphatic style on his UEFA Champions League debut for FC Barcelona, leaving Newcastle United with an uphill task at St James’ Park. In front of a packed house of 52,084, the on-loan Manchester United striker delivered two moments of brilliance that decided a fiercely contested tie.

Rashford makes the difference

For almost an hour Newcastle United matched Barcelona stride for stride, with Eddie Howe’s team pressing high and drawing energy from a feverish Tyneside crowd. Then, on 58 minutes, Jules Koundé whipped in a cross and Rashford rose to meet it with a deft header that flew beyond Nick Pope. It was a goal that cut through the atmosphere like a knife, silencing the noise and handing Barcelona control.

Nine minutes later, Rashford produced something even more spectacular. Picking up the ball 20 yards out, he unleashed a strike that clipped the underside of the bar before nestling in the net. Pope had no chance. These were his first Champions League goals in nearly four years, and they underlined why Barcelona were so keen to bring him in on loan.

“Rashford produced an even better moment nine minutes later when he hammered home a stunning 20-yard drive in off the crossbar past the helpless Pope. These were his first Champions League goals in almost four years.”

The England international was applauded off by the travelling fans when substituted with ten minutes remaining, a gesture rarely afforded to opposition players in such fixtures.

Howe’s gamble with team selection

Newcastle’s line-up contained one notable surprise. Big-money summer signing Nick Woltemade, recruited from Stuttgart for £69m, was left on the bench despite scoring on his Premier League debut. Instead, Howe opted for Anthony Gordon through the middle, prioritising pace over physical presence.

Gordon worked tirelessly and did eventually register a consolation goal in added time, set up by Jacob Murphy, but until then he found himself largely contained by Barcelona’s back line. Newcastle’s best chance before that had fallen to Harvey Barnes after 23 minutes, but his finish lacked conviction.

Memories of past European nights

The presence of former Newcastle forward Tino Asprilla in the stands served as a reminder of the club’s rich European history. His famous hat-trick against Barcelona in 1997 remains one of St James’ Park’s greatest nights. This time, however, Newcastle could not repeat the feat, despite the passionate roar of the Toon Army.

Still, there were positives to take. Newcastle showed resilience, matched Barcelona for long spells, and proved they can compete at this level. Howe’s side were applauded at full time, supporters recognising both the scale of the challenge and the effort on display.

What it means going forward

For FC Barcelona, this was a perfect start to their Champions League campaign, made all the more impressive by the absence of injured prodigy Lamine Yamal. With Rashford in form and surrounded by elite attacking talent, they will feel confident about progressing deep into the competition.

For Newcastle United, the defeat will sting but the performance provides encouragement. Their journey in the Champions League is only beginning, and with tactical adjustments, particularly in attack, they can still make their mark.