Marcus Rashford Explodes with Champions League Double, Sends Barcelona Fans into Frenzy
Barcelona's Champions League opener for the 2025–26 season will go down in history as the moment Marcus Rashford made his definitive statement at the club.
After four inconsistent displays to start his Barcelona journey, Rashford commanded attention in the team's Champions League opening 2–1 triumph over Newcastle United.
With Lamine Yamal sidelined through injury, Rashford seized his moment. He initially found the perfect position to powerfully nod home a Jules Koundé delivery to put Barcelona ahead. Subsequently, he unleashed a spectacular strike from outside the penalty area to seal his double.
Rashford's pair of goals proved sufficient to clinch victory for the Catalans. These marked the England forward's first goals in Barcelona colors as acclaim poured in following his outstanding display.
"Honestly, I anticipated it, but I'm truly delighted for him," Hansi Flick shared with beIN Sports post-match. "I believe he's endured some challenging recent years. For me it's wonderful, with the self-belief he can gain from these two strikes, perhaps he can progress further and I'm extremely pleased."
With his double, Rashford has now netted seven times in 16 career matches versus Newcastle United. England national squad colleague Anthony Gordon also praised Rashford when questioned after the encounter.
"I'm genuinely pleased for him," Gordon told beIN Sports. "He's put in tremendous effort, he appeared very content during our last England gathering together. And look, he's an exceptional, exceptional talent, when he's at his peak, among the finest globally. He netted two incredible strikes, so congratulations to him."
Present Barcelona colleagues including Ronald Araújo and Joan García also praised Rashford's performance. Bruno Fernandes and Jadon Sancho, former teammates of Rashford during their Manchester United days, also participated by sharing Rashford's second goal on Instagram.
Following a challenging spell over recent seasons, the 27-year-old forward has revitalized his career at Barcelona. "It's an incredible experience [playing for Barcelona]. It's incredible football, incredible teammates and we simply want to achieve as much success as possible," Rashford told TNT Sports post-game.
Manager Hansi Flick had urged the summer acquisition before kickoff to rise to the occasion in Yamal's absence. "I have monitored Marcus since his emergence at Manchester United. I consistently maintained that his type of player was truly exceptional. He possesses pace, but also in individual duels is genuinely outstanding. And his finishing too. What I've witnessed in the initial weeks here is very promising.
"He still has additional ability he can demonstrate to us. He desires to achieve this, naturally. For me, it's wonderful to have him in my squad."
While Yamal continues his rehabilitation, Rashford aims to continue impressing his new manager. His next chance may arrive on Sunday when the Catalans welcome Getafe.