100% long balls, 100% aerial duels won, 2 goals: Unplayable Rashford runs riot for Barcelona, sends pointed message to Amorim

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Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford was the star of the show as Barcelona eased to a comfortable 2-1 Champions League victory over Newcastle.

Barcelona beat Newcastle

A tense first half saw the two sides cancel each other out, with neither goalkeeper seriously troubled.

It took until the 58th for first blood to be shed, as Barca earned a deserved lead through Rashford. Jules Kounde delivered a sublime pinpoint cross inside the box, which the United loanee got on the end of to expertly head home.

Rashford struck again inside 10 minutes, producing a fine finish to put the Blaugrana 2-0 ahead.

He produced some fine footwork to get past his marker before firing a ferocious shot into the back of the net, well past the reach of a helpless Nick Pope.

Rashford celebrated the goal with his trademark finger-to-the-temple gesture.

58’—⚽
67’—⚽

Marcus Rashford is BACK 😤 pic.twitter.com/W0wQLwPinl

— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 18, 2025

Anthony Gordon set up a feisty finish as he pulled one back for the Magpies in the 90th minute of proceedings.

Despite late pressure, Flick’s team held on, with Rashford’s match-winning display at St James’ Park certain to grab the headlines.

Rashford’s performance

During the 82 minutes he was on the pitch, Rashford touched the ball 65 times and managed to find his teammates with 29 of the 38 passes he attempted (76% individual pass accuracy). Two of his passes were key passes.

Rashford attempted three crosses and two long balls. None of the crosses found their mark, but both long balls reached their intended target.

The England international fired four shots – two were on target (for his brace) while the other two did not really test Pope in goal.

The 27-year-old delved into nine ground duels and came out on top three times. He won the single aerial challenge that he contested.

Rashford also made three clearances and two tackles.

(Stats obtained from Sofascore)

His goals were his first for Barcelona in a competitive match, and he will be hoping they open the door to many more. Barca are back in action on Sunday when they host Getafe.

Feature image Clive Mason via Getty Images

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