Rashford Brace Inspires Barcelona to Champions League Win at St. James’ Park
Marcus Rashford enjoyed a dream return to English soil as he struck twice to guide FC Barcelona to a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United in the UEFA Champions League on Thursday night.
The England international, currently on a season-long loan from Manchester United, had been waiting for his first goals in a Barcelona shirt and he delivered them in stunning fashion at St. James’ Park. In the process, Rashford etched his name into the history books by becoming the first Englishman to score for Barcelona in the Champions League.
After a cagey first half, the second period burst into life when Rashford broke the deadlock with a fine header, sending the traveling Blaugrana fans into raptures. Minutes later, he doubled his tally with a powerful strike from outside the box that left Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope helpless.
The quickfire double put Barcelona firmly in control, and while Anthony Gordon pulled one back late for the Magpies, it proved too little too late.
Despite seven minutes of added time, Eddie Howe’s side could not summon an equalizer as the Spanish champions held on for a vital away win.
For Rashford, the night was more than just goals; it was a statement. After a decade at Manchester United, he returned to England not in red but in the iconic Blaugrana colors — and made his mark in front of an English crowd once more, this time with history by his side.