Marcus Rashford ruins Newcastle's Champions League party
Newcastle United 1 - 2 Barcelona
Marcus Rashford made a spectacular Champions League bow for Barcelona as Newcastle United's campaign got off to a losing start at St James' Park.
Author | Anthony Gates
Stadium | St James' Park
The forward, on loan from Manchester United, broke open a tense contest with two decisive second-half strikes that left Eddie Howe’s side chasing shadows.
A closer analysis of what happened
Howe had raised eyebrows with his team selection, opting to leave £69m summer signing Nick Woltemade on the bench and deploying Anthony Gordon through the middle. The experiment faltered as Newcastle found themselves increasingly overwhelmed by Barcelona’s control, with Rashford the clinical difference.
It was an emphatic statement from Rashford, who featured in the tournament while on loan at Aston Villa last season, and who slotted seamlessly into Barcelona’s attack despite the absence of injured teenager Lamine Yamal.
The 26-year-old received a standing ovation from the travelling supporters when he was replaced late on. Newcastle threatened a late recovery when Gordon pulled one back in stoppage time, but Barcelona saw the game out with relative comfort.Clips and pics from the crowd.
Pre match atmosphere
Newcastle fan analysis | Howe's selection gamble doesn't pay off
Ryan G told us: "The team selection left plenty of us scratching our heads when the big summer signing brought in to replace Alexander Isak, Woltemade, was left sitting on the bench.
"He’d marked his debut in style after joining from Stuttgart, grabbing the winner against Wolves before coming off with a bit of cramp, which you’d think might have influenced Howe’s decision.
"Instead, Gordon was pushed through the middle, maybe with the idea that his pace could unsettle Barcelona. He did manage to nick a goal right at the end, but for most of the night he found it hard to really make his mark."
