Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford played a big role in Barcelona’s loss to Real Madrid in El Clasico on Sunday, which pushed them further away from the top of La Liga.
Marcus Rashford’s El Clasico debut ended in disappointment as Barcelona lost to Real Madrid. Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé found the back of the net on Sunday as Los Blancos secured a 2-1 win and extended their five-point advantage at the top of La Liga.
Barca dropped to second place with their second loss in three league games. But it wasn’t completely doom and gloom for Rashford, on loan from Manchester United. He was entrusted with the starting role and played a key role in setting up the visiting team’s only attack.
Fermín López equalized in the 38th minute thanks to Rashford’s deft movement and subsequent pass down the left side of Real’s penalty area. It was the England international’s finest moment before he moved to a central attacking role, replacing Ferran Torres.
Despite the disappointing result, Rashford’s performance earned him praise from sections of the Spanish media. And his first appearance in one of football’s most prestigious competitions may have turned out pretty badly in retrospect.
A review of Rashford’s match performance in AS magazine said: “The Englishman put in a good performance in his first Clasico.” “He set up Fermin to equalize and worked hard in the press.”
read more: Barcelona’s Marcus Rashford sends message to Man United after El Clasico moment against Real Madridread more: Jude Bellingham sends three-word message to Barcelona after enthusiastic Clasico win
Barcelona entered Sunday’s match without a number of key players. Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Gabi and Dani Olmo are the only players absent from attack and midfield.
Despite this, Sport provided a glowing review of Rashford’s potential ahead of his first Clasico appearance. The Catalan publication praised his stint so far, declaring that he is “living the dream” since arriving at Camp Nou on a season-long loan following his defection from the Red Devils.
“He will be a starter in the most watched game on the planet, the most passionate and impactful sporting event,” the report said. “Rashford will be the star of a real Clasico. Once the ball is kicked off, he will be one of the surprise guests at the table in La Liga’s most important match.
“As expected, with Phelan back in the starting line-up, he will play on the left wing. This is a great opportunity for the British icon to continue showing the world that he is back and on the right path.”
Mundo Deportivo proved to be far more critical of his performance, describing it as “puzzling”. And assists alone weren’t enough to further improve his contribution.
“A clever assist to Fermin…could not fix a game that looked like it could create more danger than when he received the ball,” it read. “He didn’t make the most of his strengths when he had space. As a number nine he was worse than as a winger.”
Some of that criticism may seem harsh given that Rashford’s contribution exceeded that of most of his team-mates. However, manager Ruben Amorim will no doubt focus on the positives after Rashford scored twice in the Champions League match against Olympiakos a few days earlier.
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