Marcus Rashford returned to the Barcelona bench on Sunday as speculation continues to grow about a permanent summer move from Manchester United
Barcelona secured a 3-0 victory over Levante on Sunday, but Marcus Rashford didn't see any action as he works his way back from injury. The Manchester United loanee missed previous matches against Atletico Madrid and Girona due to injury and stayed on the bench as Hansi Flick decided not to risk him during a welcome win.
Despite the comfortable result, a fully fit Rashford could have potentially made the victory even more emphatic. Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong and Fermin Lopez were on the scoresheet as the Catalans' front-line drew a blank with neither Raphinha nor Robert Lewandowski, the latter substituted midway through the second half, contributing a goal or an assist.
It may be the case that Barcelona haven't officially activated their option to sign Rashford permanently but signs are starting to emerge. Not only has Flick praised the England international, but Rashford has also reportedly landed an £8.5million payday by cashing in dividends from his businesses - a move some believe might suggest he's gearing up to leave the UK.
Even on a day when Rashford wasn't required on the pitch, it wasn't hard to see why there is a strong argument for a permanent deal for a player already on double figures for both goals and assists. Here's what the Spanish press had to say following Barca's triumph.
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Mundo Deportivo
The standout performers of the match were defenders and midfielders, with winter signing Joao Cancelo shining alongside the likes of Bernal and De Jong. However, Mundo Deportivo highlighted the lack of goals from those whose main job it is to find the back of the net.
"Barca didn't need to shift into high gear, and their forwards failed to find the net," they penned. "Lamine [Yamal] was well marked by Manu Sanchez (as he was when he played for Alaves), but he showed flashes of brilliance, as did Raphinha, [Dani] Olmo, and Lewy (Lewandowski). However, the forwards need goals to thrive."
In the weeks ahead, Barcelona may have to fully utilise their attacking arsenal. Players like Rashford and Ferran Torres will likely shoulder responsibilities as the matches pile up - perhaps in those league matches which lie in between Champions League clashes.
Sport
Sport also focused on Barca's depth. The outlet believes this is where the title will be decided - even if it was others, not Rashford himself, who showcased that depth on Sunday.
"Flick's team, who have a plan, play more and better, have a more balanced squad, don't depend exclusively on two or three players, and are the current champions," their report read when comparing Barca to title rivals Real Madrid. "In short, the Blaugrana, under any circumstances, would be the clear favourite to repeat as champions."
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Sport also highlighted what it perceives as contentious refereeing calls favouring rivals Real Madrid but expressed belief this can strengthen Flick's squad. "This reality, the one Barça has had to live with throughout its existence, has also forged its character and, of course, its style of play," they added.
"That's why when they win, they win big, and that's why the Champions League title has always been accompanied by the league title. It's unfair, but that's how it is. And yet, there are matchdays, like this weekend's, when everything, well organized, falls into place."
Marca
It may have been a victory for Barcelona and a comprehensive one at that but Marca noted the ongoing absence of goals from the front line. "Interestingly, it was the third consecutive match in which no Barcelona forward scored: they failed to find the net against Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey, and [Pau] Cubarsí scored the only goal against Girona," their coverage stated.
That's not to suggest there weren't opportunities. On another occasion, one of the front three could readily have registered on the scoresheet, had it not been for some wasteful finishing and excellent stops from Levante goalkeeper Mat Ryan.
Nevertheless, some observers might be inclined to note that one common factor from those fixtures is Rashford's absence from the field. It will be intriguing to observe how he is deployed against Villarreal on Saturday.
AS
Cancelo was also the standout performer in AS' write-up. However, the defender's form - during his second stint at Camp Nou - arguably also highlighted some more underwhelming displays from others.
"Cancelo's cross gave the home side the lead after just four minutes, thanks to Bernal, who was thus cementing his place in the starting lineup," their report read. "Cancelo also provided the assist for De Jong's second goal in the 32nd minute.
"In between, the Portuguese full-back consistently delivered threatening crosses into the box, but it seemed Lewandowski, once again, wasn't on top form. Then Ferran, as usual, failed to step up in the absence of the Polish striker."
Barcelona might be planning a significant investment in a new forward this summer if they opt not to extend Lewandowski's contract. However, Rashford himself could have an opportunity to stake his claim for a central role in the upcoming weeks.