Barcelona kicked off their UEFA Champions League campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory against Newcastle United at St James' Park on Thursday, powered by a resurgent Marcus Rashford. The English striker, initially viewed as a risky loan signing from Manchester United, silenced critics with a second-half double that showcased his renewed confidence.
Despite a sluggish first half marked by missed opportunities, Rashford ignited in the 58th minute, heading home Jules Koundé's cross to break the deadlock. The 27-year-old struck again nine minutes later, capitalizing on a defensive error to curl a stunning finish into the top corner. His performance marked a stark turnaround from his earlier struggles at Barcelona, where he had registered just one assist in four appearances prior to the match.
The win underscores Barcelona's depth amid injuries to key players like Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde. For Newcastle, the defeat highlights defensive vulnerabilities as they face tougher European competition. Analysts suggest Rashford's form could reshape Barcelona's attacking strategy this season, offering fresh insights for investors monitoring La Liga's commercial momentum and football enthusiasts tracking Asia-linked stars in European leagues.
