Marcus Rashford continued his incredible Barcelona form in the Champions League with another standout display, and the Spanish media were full of praise after his brace
Marcus Rashford delivered another spectacular performance in Barcelona’s Champions League clash with Olympiacos. The English forward, currently on loan with the Spanish side from Manchester United, was deployed in a new role as the central striker in the absence of Robert Lewandowski on Tuesday night.
Barcelona were already two goals up by half-time thanks to Fermin Lopez's brace. Any hopes of an Olympiacos comeback were dashed when they were controversially reduced to ten men in the 57th minute.
But Barcelona seized the opportunity, scoring four more times to secure a resounding 6-1 victory. Rashford played a key part in three of those, initially earning a penalty after being tripped by opposition goalkeeper Kostas Tzolakis following a smart one-two with Fermin, which was converted by Lamine Yamal in the 68th minute.
Just six minutes later, the England international found the back of the net himself with a sharp diagonal run and a low shot across the keeper into the far corner. He wasn’t done there, combining with Pedri on the edge of the box and firing a clinical shot off the inside of the near post in the 79th minute.
It marked his second brace in Europe for Barcelona, bringing his total tally for the Spanish giants to five goals and six assists. Here, we examine what the Spanish press made of his all-round display - with one outlet even hinting the La Liga giants have finally replaced Lionel Messi's set-piece taking ability following his departure four years ago.
'No one doubts'
Spanish publication Marca lavished praise on both Rashford and hat-trick hero Fermin, declaring: “They're two players who don't make much noise, but who always contribute something to the team.”
The match report also stated: “Fermín's not leaving for Chelsea in the summer has been a real blessing for Barcelona. This time, he scored the first hat trick of his Barca career.
“And the Englishman's move is also a real coup. Against Olympiacos, he scored two goals and won a penalty. No one doubts the success of his signing anymore.” Glowing praise indeed.
'Without warning'
Diario AS were thoroughly convinced by the Englishman's performance, stating his goal contributions "prove he belongs in this team". The publication said: “He scored two goals practically without warning. One after a crisp finish inside the box and another with a short dribble and a shot at the far post.”
'Messi successor'
Sport identified Rashford as a "difference maker" following the 6-1 drubbing, suggesting he could influence the upcoming El Clasico in similar fashion. It pointed out how impressive the Red Devils academy graduate was in the No.9 position, though he could return to his usual role as a winger against Real Madrid.
The publication also praised his set-piece taking ability, saying he could finally fill the free-kick void left by Lionel Messi's departure in 2021. The outlet wrote: “The Englishman is taking free kicks and is getting closer and closer to scoring: posts, balls to the full-back that just miss... It's about time Barca saw someone score from a free kick, a deficit that has been dragging on since Leo Messi's painful departure. The Englishman also takes corners from the left and does so with extreme danger. In the Clasico, he could be a weapon to be reckoned with.”
Manager Hansi Flick, meanwhile, was quoted as saying: “He's an important player and he gives what I expect of him. He's giving 100 percent and it's fantastic to have him. He's playing in different positions; as he gains confidence and gets to know his teammates, he'll get better.”
'Fine scoring'
Mundo Deportivo said: “Rashford in his role as No.9 scored a brace and continued his fine scoring streak.”
The outlet also highlighted that while he wasn't quite as impactful as he was against Newcastle last month, he demonstrated his quality through his clinical finishing and link-up play, which earned Barca an important penalty to make it 3-1.