NEWCASTLE, UK (AP) – Marcus Rashford was Barcelona’s Plan B this summer.
The second best looked pretty good after the Loan-on-Loan Manchester United forward scored the first two goals for the new team on Thursday. That brace helped Barcelona launch the Champions League campaign 2-1 victory at Newcastle.
And what a goal they were.
Rashford floated into the penalty spot in the 58th minute and used a strong flick in his head to drive with a pass from Jules Kaunde.
He improved nine minutes later by latching into a loose ball outside the area and ran towards the right to avoid the defender before blew the ball from the underside of the crossbar to goalkeeper Nick Pope into the net.
“It’s going well. I’m learning new ways to football. It makes me a better player,” Rashford said. “Playing for Barcelona is a great experience and I want to win as much as possible. It’s refreshing to play with these guys.”
England coach Thomas Tuschel was one of the St. James Park spectators, and was temporarily silent on Rashford’s second strike.
“Marcus was spectacular,” said Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo. “We actually see it, so we know he can do it. I hope he’s with us and he can continue to play like this.”
Rashford I participated in Barcelona It was loaned out in July of this season only after the Spanish champion was snubled in an attempt to seduce Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao.
He was once considered among the top European talent, but in recent years the 27-year-old saw his career stall in loans at Aston Villa last season after he was no longer liked at United.
That’s why he was questioned about his ability to make a big contribution to the team that reached the Champions League semi-finals last season and accumulated talent for winning the domestic doubles of La Liga and Copa Del Rey.
Manager Hansi Flick gave Rashford a start at Newcastle, causing star forward Ramin Yamal to be injured for the second consecutive time. Rashford spent several minutes in all four matches in Barcelona’s Spanish League and was replaced at halftime in one of his two previous starts without scoring.
After Thursday’s goal, Flick said he was “not surprised” by Rashford’s performance.
“This match is two goals in the first Champions League match here in the UK, that’s great. It gives him confidence and shows that he can do,” Frick said.
“He’s an incredible talent, with incredible skills and an incredible finish. (Barcelona Sports Director) Deco and I spoke about how before the season we needed a player like him.”
Rashford said the team is completely focused.
“Ambition is to win the Champions League and there’s nothing else in our minds,” he said. “That’s going to be difficult, we know that.”
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