Marcus Rashford’s first taste of El Clasico fell short of expectations, with Barcelona losing to Real Madrid. Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe found the back of the net on Sunday as Los Blancos secured a 2-1 win and built a commanding five-point advantage at the top of La Liga. Meanwhile, Barcelona suffered their second loss in three league games and have fallen to second place.
Despite this, Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, was not entirely disappointed, earning a starting spot and playing a key role in ensuring the visitors were on their own. Fermin López equalized in the 38th minute, thanks to Rashford’s deft movement up the left flank and subsequent cross. It was the England international’s best moment before he moved up front to be replaced by Ferran Torres.
Despite the disappointing result, Rashford’s performance earned him plaudits from sections of the Spanish press. And his first appearance in one of football’s most prestigious competitions may have been far more difficult in retrospect.
Spain’s As newspaper wrote: “The Englishman performed well in his first Clasico. He equalized Fermin and worked hard in the press.”
Barcelona went into Sunday’s match without a number of key players, with Robert Lewandowski, Rafinha, Gabi and Dani Olmo all absent.
Despite this, Sport provided a glowing review of Rashford’s potential ahead of his first Clasico appearance.
They praised his performances so far and declared him “living the dream” since arriving at Camp Nou on a season-long loan following his defection from the Red Devils.
The report states: “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 for 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 were far more critical of Rashford’s play, slamming his performance as “inexplicable” despite the 27-year-old scoring an assist.
Their assessment of his contribution was stated as follows: “A clever assist to Fermin could not have fixed a game that looked like it could create more danger than when he received the ball.
“He didn’t make the most of his strengths when he had space. As a number nine he was worse than as a winger.”
That element of criticism may seem puzzling given that Rashford’s contribution exceeded that of most of his team-mates, but he will no doubt focus on the positives.
