Newcastle have been punished for a collection of missed probabilities as Manchester United-loanee Marcus Rashford scored his first objectives in Barcelona colors to safe a 2-1 win at St James’ Park.
On an event befitting of a Champions League opener, Eddie Howe’s facet generated higher probabilities and a sustained menace, however it was Rashford – the primary Englishman since 1989 to attain in Europe for Barcelona – who was decisive.
Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes have been each responsible of wastefulness, failing to transform any of Anthony Elanga’s quite a few deliveries, earlier than Rashford stole the present with two strikes – 9 minutes aside – of gorgeous high quality to challenge a well timed reminder of his price and Barcelona’s credentials.
A precision header from Jules Kounde’s cross was adopted up by an beautiful hit from vary, dipping and swerving and discovering the web off the underside of the crossbar – with England boss Thomas Tuchel additionally in attendance to witness a Rashford masterclass first hand.
It was one thing of an announcement. The marksman loved an electrical second half, scoring twice from an xG worth of simply 0.37, and though Gordon lastly transformed Newcastle’s momentum right into a comfort aim late on, it was not sufficient to rescue a degree.
Extra to comply with.
