Newcastle vs Barcelona: Ravishing Rashford ravages Magpies on return to England

Barcelona had Marcus Rashford to thank for their 2-1 away win over Newcastle in their first game of the 2025/26 Champions League season.

Returning to his native England, Rashford took the game by the scruff of the neck, scoring both of Barcelona's goals to give them a two-goal lead before Anthony Gordon's late goal for Newcastle made it 2-1.

Newcastle flew out of the gates against Barcelona, driven on by their passionate support and Anthony Gordon came inches away from finishing Anthony Elanga’s delivery early on, while Harvey Barnes was denied by Joan García before an offside flag spared his blushes.

Pay Attention: Don’t miss today’s predictions from Bet of the Day (Check Out)

Soon after, Marcus Rashford nearly stunned the home crowd with a surging run, though his weak effort wasted the opportunity.

Barcelona began to see more of the ball midway through the first half, but they found Newcastle’s physical approach difficult to handle.

With the game ebbing towards the break, the visitors still lacked sharpness in attack, with Raphinha blasting a free-kick off target before half-time.

The Magpies looked dangerous from a set piece early in the second half, but it was Barcelona who struck first.

Rashford rose to meet Jules Koundé’s cross with a powerful header, registering Barcelona’s first shot on target and the game’s opening goal.

Minutes later, he produced a sensational strike into the top corner, taking his tally to seven goals and four assists in 16 matches against Newcastle.

In the last minute of normal time, Gordon pulled one back late, but Barcelona held on to leave Newcastle with just one win in five.