As fate would have it, Marcus Rashford would make his UCL debut for Barcelona on English soil. With Lamine Yamal out with an injury, Barcelona needed someone to step up and take control of their attacking play. Marcus Rashford did just that, by dominating the left wing and feeding balls to Lewandowski and Raphinha up front.
After a goalless first half, FC Barcelona started pushing even more, taking advantage of the tired Newcastle players, who had been executing a very high press throughout most of the first half. In the 58th minute, Marcus Rashford headed in the opening goal thanks to a great cross from Jules Koundé. This was his first goal for the club, and he wouldn’t have to wait much longer for his second.
Just nine minutes later, Marcus Rashford picked up the ball only a few yards away from the box, he dribbled past Sandro Tonali onto his right foot and scored a second goal from the edge of the box with a “vintage Rashford” thunderbolt. St. James’ Park was left stunned, as the home fans almost had to appreciate what a stellar performance Rashford was delivering.
Newcastle managed to pull one back in the 90th minute, but it was too little too late, as FC Barcelona closed out their first win of the new Champions League season. A statement win from Barcelona, seeing as they’re one of the favourites to go all the way this year, after being knocked out in the semifinals last year by Inter Milan.
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