Marcus Rashford made an impressive Champions League debut for Barcelona, causing Newcastle United’s season to begin in defeat at St. James’ Park.
Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, became Newcastle’s tormentor as he ripped up a tight game with two quick second-half goals.
Rashford silenced a typically frenzied Tyneside atmosphere after 58 minutes by flashing a wonderful header past Newcastle keeper Nick Pope from Jules Kounde’s cross in front of England head coach Thomas Tuchel.
Rashford had an even better moment nine minutes later, hammering home a magnificent 20-yard drive off the crossbar past the helpless Pope. He scored his first Champions League goals in nearly four years.
It was a great night for Rashford, who played in the Champions League on loan at Aston Villa last season, contributing significantly to Barcelona’s vast array of attacking potential despite the absence of superb injured youth Lamine Yamal.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe made a surprise selection, leaving new £69 million striker Nick Woltemade on the bench in favor of Anthony Gordon in the center.
Gordon struggled to have an impact as Barcelona’s supremacy became clear as the game progressed, with Rashford finishing with deadly precision.
The England striker received a well-deserved standing ovation from Barcelona fans when he was substituted with ten minutes remaining.
Newcastle were given hope of a comeback when Gordon finished in the first seven minutes of extra time, but Barcelona held out.
Newcastle’s lineup selection aroused eyebrows when Woltemade, the huge summer striker recruit to replace Alexander Isak, was benched.
Woltemade scored his first goal since joining from Stuttgart against Wolverhampton Wanderers, albeit he did leave with cramp, which may have influenced Howe’s decision.
Gordon was used through the center, ostensibly to challenge Barcelona with pace, and while he scored late on, he struggled to create a lasting impression.
Newcastle, urged on by the typically raucous and passionate Toon Army, gave as good as they got for nearly an hour until Rashford scored, with their best chance coming after 23 minutes when Anthony Elanga slipped in Harvey Barnes, but the winger’s finish was unconvincing.
Tino Asprilla, a former Newcastle star, was in attendance at St James’ Park, bringing back memories of his finest hour in a black and white shirt, when he scored a hat-trick in a 3-2 Champions League victory over Barcelona in September 1997.
Barcelona may have been without the talent of 18-year-old forward Lamine Yamal due to injury, but Hansi Flick’s team posed too much of a threat to their opponents.
Rashford was the standout, scoring twice, but former Leeds United star Raphinha also posed a threat, and Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and Fermin Lopez demonstrated outstanding midfield control.
Barcelona will be trying to go one step further in the Champions League than they did last season, when they lost a thrilling semi-final to Inter Milan, and with Yamal returning, they will be among the favorites to advance farther in the competition.
This, however, was Rashford’s night, as he silenced the taunts of Newcastle United fans.
