NEWCASTLE, September 18, 2025 – Barcelona began their 2025-26 UEFA Champions League campaign with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory against Newcastle United at a raucous St. James’ Park, powered by a superb second-half performance from on-loan forward Marcus Rashford.
The English international, who joined the Catalan giants on loan from Manchester United this summer, was the hero of the night, scoring both goals to overturn a one-goal deficit and secure all three points for his new side.
Newcastle, playing in front of their home crowd, started brightly and were rewarded with an early lead. Barcelona’s midfield maestros, Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, gradually took control of possession but struggled to break down a resolute Magpies defense in the first half.
The match flipped after the break. Rashford ignited the Barcelona comeback by netting the equalizer in the 58th minute. Just nine minutes later, he completed the turnaround with a stunning long-range strike that proved to be the winner, sealing a Man of the Match performance.
The victory was a testament to the belief manager Hansi Flick has in his new attacker. In post-match comments, Flick revealed he personally sought out the player, stating, “I spoke with Rashford in July and told him: I need you in my team… I’m not surprised. Rashford is a player with amazing talent and an incredible ability to finish attacks, which we see in training.”
The brace marked a historic personal achievement for Rashford, making him the first English player ever to score for FC Barcelona in the Champions League. The result provides a perfect start for Hansi Flick’s team in a tough Group Stage fixture.
