Marcus Rashford delivered a stunning performance to fire Barcelona to a 2-1 win over Newcastle United in a dramatic Champions League clash at St James’ Park.
The 27-year-old Manchester United loanee, who famously scored against the Magpies in the 2023 Carabao Cup final, struck twice in the second half to silence the home crowd and remind his parent club of his quality.
Newcastle created the better chances in the opening 45 minutes, with Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes both missing opportunities to give Eddie Howe’s men the lead.
The Magpies pressed high, forcing early errors from Barca goalkeeper Joan Garcia and young defender Pau Cubarsi, but lacked the finishing touch to punish the visitors.
Barcelona, marshalled by Pedri and Frenkie De Jong in midfield, gradually gained control. Robert Lewandowski came close, while Nick Pope denied Raphinha’s dangerous delivery. Still, the first half ended goalless.
The breakthrough came in the 58th minute when Jules Kounde delivered a pinpoint cross for Rashford, who rose unmarked to head past Pope. Just nine minutes later, the England international doubled his tally with a thunderous right-foot strike that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar.
Newcastle refused to give in and were rewarded late on when Gordon converted Jacob Murphy’s cross in the final minute of normal time. However, the Magpies fell short of replicating their famous 3-2 win over Barcelona from 1997, as Xavi’s side held firm to claim all three points.
The result leaves Newcastle still searching for their first Champions League win of the campaign, while Barcelona continue to assert themselves among Europe’s elite.
