20/09/2025

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Are you watching Amorim? Flick purrs as Rashford bags first Barca goals to seal win at Newcastle Flick purrs as Rashford

Ű BY DAMIAN SPELLMAN Barcelona’s Marcus Rashford (left) celebrates after heading the ball to score his team’s first goal during the Champions League first round match against Newcastle at St James’ Park yesterday. – AFPPIC

opened the scoring, but ultimately Gordon’s 90th minute effort was all they had to show for their efforts as they were made to pay for the chances which went begging. Head coach Eddie Howe said: “Absolutely, that would be a very fair reflection on what I’ve seen tonight, a lot of effort, a lot of commitment, a lot of heart from the players. “I thought it was a good performance without being a great one, and to beat Barcelona I think it needs to be a great one. “We had the chances, two big moments in that first half, and didn’t take them and ultimately when you concede the first goal, the game swings on that moment.” Rashford’s opener came as defender Fabian Schar tried to compose himself after being hit full in the face by another attempt from the frontman. Asked why the Switzerland international had stayed on the pitch, Howe replied: “I’m in the hands of the doctors, really, in that moment. The only message I got was that he was okay to con tinue.” – The Independent/Agencies

been a huge admirer of Barcelona, most people my age have watched them play from when we were younger. “It is amazing football and amazing players. We just want to win as much as possible.” When Rashford was substituted after 82 min utes he was given a deafening standing ovation from the visiting supporters. The acclaim was repeated after the final whistle. “Marcus showed what a top, top player he is. We forgot about his talent at Manchester United but he showed he is a real top talent and back to the old Marcus,” said former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt on BBC’s Champions Leaguer Match of the Day . “Ruben Amorim will be thinking ‘what have I done, I’ve let that go’ when Manchester United are struggling. “You need to be loved and he needs an arm around him and when he has that he has shown what he can do.” Newcastle had roared out of the traps and both Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes might have

the deadlock with 58 minutes gone when he headed Jules Kounde’s cross beyond Nick Pope, who he beat even more comprehensively nine minutes later when thumped home a long-range strike off the underside of the crossbar. Flick said: “For me, this was the first step and he has to make the next one because this match, these two goals here in England against Newcastle for Barcelona in the first Champions League match of the season, I think it’s great, it’s really great. “It gives him confidence in himself and for me, this is the most important thing, that he knows and shows us on the pitch that he’s a fantastic player.” Rashford was delighted to have played such a pivotal role at St. James’ Park on his return to England. The striker told TNT Sport s: “That is what I am here to do – to help the team win, but also to try to improve and be the best that I can.” Reflecting on his early weeks in Spain, he added: “It is an amazing experience. I have always

B ARCELONA boss Hansi Flick has admit ted he could not pass up the opportunity to sign England striker Marcus Rashford when it became apparent he was not wanted at Manchester United. The 27-year-old scored both goals in Barca’s 2 1 Champions League victory at Newcastle yester day to mark his return to form and leave his head coach delighted that he was surplus to require ments at Old Trafford. Asked if he was surprised to be able to land the 27-year-old on a season-long loan deal, the German said: “When we had this chance, we said, ‘Okay, we have to do it.’ “I spoke with him before everything, going in the right way. I said, ‘I want you, I want you in my team,’ and 100% I’m happy because he’s an out standing player.” Rashford, whose only other goal this season had come from the penalty spot during England’s 5-0 World Cup qualifier victory in Serbia, broke

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