Rashford 9.5, Joan Garcia 9 | Newcastle United 1-2 Barcelona: Player ratings | OneFootball

Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League campaign for the new season began on Thursday night at one of football’s most daunting away stadiums – St James Park.

Taking on Newcastle United at the venue saw the Catalans battle pressure not only on the field but also from the stands, and they were put to a stern challenge for the opening half hour.

Once they began assuming control, however, the visitors began creating more chances and ultimately opened the scoring through a Marcus Rashford header in the second half. The Englishman soon doubled the team’s lead and sealed the result on the night.

The hosts pulled one back in the penultimate minute of regular time setting up an interesting finish but could not eventually find the equaliser.

Barça Universal brings you the player ratings from Newcastle United 1-2 Barcelona.

Joan Garcia: 9

The Spaniard was at the centre of the action for Barcelona against the English opposition and was regularly called into action as Newcastle constantly looked for openings on the counter.

Made a massive save to deny the hosts twice on the night including a massive 1v1 save against Harvey Barnes.

Gerard Martin: 7.5

Martin was tasked primarily with a defensive responsibility on the night and thus roamed relatively deep in the field looking to control Anthony Elanga.

However, he had his work cut out for him as the winger’s pace often got the better of him, leaving him chasing on the counter-attacks.

Pau Cubarsi: 8

The youngster was composed and critical in helping Barcelona play out of difficult pressure situations, especially when the hosts were pressing high up.

Defensively did not make any errors and was clean with his distribution although he did not look for too many long balls on the night.

Ronald Araujo: 8

The Uruguayan was the surprise inclusion in Hansi Flick’s starting XI, presumably to counter Newcastle’s aerial threat. Did well to curb the hosts in that respect and showed reasonable coordination on the offside trap as well.

Had a busy night holding off Anthony Gordon and was constantly pressurised by the Newcastle forwards in the hope of a slip-up.

Jules Kounde: 8.5

A solid display at right-back from Kounde. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

The right-back was defensively solid but occasionally caught on the counter by Barnes. Pushed forward to overlap with the winger and add weight to Barcelona’s right wing as well.

Provided a sumptuous assist for Rashford’s opener just before the hour mark with a ball that landed beautifully for the Englishman’s header.

Pedri: 8.5

Pedri was the epicentre target of Newcastle’s coordinated press but rarely ever looked in trouble holding on to the ball.

He was relatively restricted in the opening half hour but then went on to open his wings and dictate the game more openly for the Catalans. It is no coincidence that Barcelona’s best moments only came after the player began dominating.

Frenkie de Jong: 8

Frenkie de Jong’s press resistance was crucial at St James’ Park as the Dutchman was often caught in high-pressure situations in midfield that he managed to wriggle out of and continue the buildup.

Did decently in defence too and was excellent with his overall distribution, although he did not seemingly attempt too many ambitious line-breaking passes.

Fermin Lopez: 6.5

After a man-of-the-match performance in his previous game, Fermin looked lost at St James Park as he simply did not find much space between Newcastle’s compact lines.

The youngster disappeared for large tracts in the first half and failed to create any threat in the opposition box, something uncharacteristic for a player of his profile.

Marcus Rashford: 9.5

Rashford has truly arrived. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

The Englishman looked sharp on the night and constantly tried to create a threat down the left flank.

Created some good attacking openings with his pace and even had a half-chance early in the game but could not find his finishing boots. Scored a stunning header to give his side the lead, scoring his first official goal for the club.

Rashford’s night only got better as he went on to score a banger from outside the box in the 66th minute to double the lead, announcing his arrival on the big stage.

Raphinha: 8.5

The UEFA Champions League top scorer of last season started in place of the injured Lamine Yamal on the left wing and was in his element barring some uncharacteristically sloppy passes.

Was the team’s pioneering force in the final third, always looking for an attacking opening but his relatively direct style of football found it hard to create openings between the tight lines.

Robert Lewandowski: 6.5

Not Lewandowski’s best night. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The Polish striker started the game slowly but began growing into it late in the first half when he made some positive movements and attempts on goal from tight positions.