Marcus Rashford struck twice in the second half as Barcelona defeated Newcastle United 2-0 in their Champions League Group Stage opener at St. James’ Park on Wednesday.
After a goalless first half, Rashford broke the deadlock with a sharp finish before adding a second to secure three points for Hansi Flick’s side. The England forward, signed this summer from Manchester United, made an immediate impact on his European debut for the Spanish champions.
Barcelona fielded a strong lineup including Frenkie de Jong, Ronald Araujo and Robert Lewandowski, while Newcastle manager Eddie Howe left Nick Woltemade on the bench. The hosts, backed by a raucous home crowd, struggled to create clear chances against Barcelona’s disciplined defence.
Before kickoff, both clubs paid tribute to former manager Sir Bobby Robson, who enjoyed spells at Newcastle and Barcelona. Fans also engaged widely on social media in the buildup, with tributes, predictions and giveaways trending online.
The win gives Barcelona an early lead in their group, while Newcastle face an uphill task after opening with a home defeat.
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