Barcelona’s summer transfer business pays off in a big way in Newcastle win | OneFootball

Barcelona kickstarted their UEFA Champions League campaign with a 2-1 win over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.

Despite a nervy ending, the Catalans were the better of the two sides, and the key headline was none other than Marcus Rashford.

The Englishman scored two goals on the night to help Barcelona secure three points. Another top performer was Joan Garcia, who played a vital role in between the sticks.

One thing common between these two players is that both joined the club during the summer transfer window.

Barcelona’s new signings repay the club’s faith

The two players indeed showcased what they can offer to the club, repaying the faith shown in them with stellar performances against Newcastle, with Rashford, in particular, winning the Man of the Match award.

Brought in on loan amid Barcelona’s financial restrictions, the road hasn’t been easy for Rashford, who has required time to adapt.

Barcelona have struck gold with Joan Garcia. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Until Thursday, he had shown flashes of quality but lacked a defining performance. Against Newcastle, though, he delivered exactly that.

The Englishman’s first goal came through a technically brilliant header, before unleashing a thunderous strike from distance for his second.

In addition to his performance, Barcelona are also very happy with the forward’s attitude.

But if Rashford grabbed the spotlight, Garcia ensured it wasn’t taken away. Signed from Espanyol for €25 million, the young goalkeeper has already impressed in La Liga, but this was his first real European test.

At 0-0, he produced a crucial save against Harvey Barnes that could have changed the game’s direction.

Calm with the ball at his feet and sharp in one-on-one situations, Garcia again showed why Deco trusted him to step up as Barcelona’s number one.

With both Rashford and Garcia shining, Barcelona’s gamble in the market already looks like a masterstroke.