Newcastle 1-2 Barcelona: Marcus Rashford has won the British soil by plundering his first goal since trading Old Trafford for Nu Camp in the summer
The loving soccer writer, who spends most of his life on the highway, will take part in games across the country. I’m passionate about soccer, my work, and mirrors. The Premier League is the best in the world and I always believe England has a chance. Arsene Wenger: Author of Wenger, The Inside Story of Arsenal.
The first was sweet and the second was sensational. This was definitely Marcus Rashford’s greatest night in a very long time. It was the night when the English star showed him belonging to Barcelona when Rashford lit up St. James Park.
They scored in front of Barcelona’s first goal and England boss Thomas Touchel. His first header was a gaze header to put Barcelona ahead, while the second was an incredibly intense 25-yard drive shot that flew off the crossbar.
Anthony Gordon gave Newcastle late hope with at least 90 minutes of comfort, but Barcelona scored a valuable victory. And this reminded me of the quality and class of Rashford. It’s also painful to wonder how Manchester United saw and lended him on Earth. How can United do with him now?
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Last season, Rashford was revitalized by his spell at Aston Villa, and now we can admire his single-minded resolve to seize this opportunity in Barcelona. Rashford, 27, turned his mind to join Barcelona, and in the absence of an injured Wonder Kid Raminyaral, he seized the chance.
It certainly ruined the script, ruined a big night in the loud, intimidating, and sometimes ferocious St. James Park. Noise and atmosphere are habitually swallowed by even the biggest and best teams. And many nights, even Barcelona’s five-time winners looked a bit scared.
Robert Lewandowsky was nowhere, Barcelona was made to look rather normal, and Newcastle jumped out of the block and tore it into the Spanish giants.
The Toon Army roamed them and brought back memories of that famous night in September 1997. Fautino Asprila Hat’s tricks upset Mighty Barcelona 3-2 on one of the best nights in Europe the stadium has ever seen. Two years ago they slammed Paris Saint-Germain – the current holder – 4-1 and noise and atmosphere are overwhelming.
Newcastle has shown a lot of fights and threats, but they lack the finish. Their best chance of the night was within five minutes. It was Anthony Elanga’s cross that set up Gordon, but he completely missed the kick. No wonder Newcastle boss Eddie Howe took his head in hand.
Newcastle had another big opportunity when Elanga’s pace cleared him up the right wing again. This time, his low cross was spotted Harvey Barnes racing at the back post, but his shot was well saved by Barcelona keeper Joan Garcia.
Eddie Howe’s men were unable to turn possession and threat into targets. Until then, Kieran Trippier actually did an amazing job of catching up with Rashford and keeping him quiet. But that changed after 58 minutes. Rafinha went right and after finding Jules Kaunde’s cross, Rashford glanced at the header into the far corner.
The celebration had its trademark Rashford Knee Slide. What a moment for him. It was big – but more than that was to follow. Newcastle defender Dan Byrne handed the ball, and Rashford shrugged Sandro Tonari and let him work himself enough space to unleash the absolute lightning. What a strike.
This time, Rashford ran to Barcelona boss Hansiflic and ran to his celebration and got a big embrace. He deserves it.
Newcastle at least fought as Gordon scored his first goal in 20 games on a smart finish from Jacob Murphy’s low cross, but Rushford had already made the night his own.
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