Overview

• Barcelona began their European campaign with a 2-1 victory at St James’ Park, with Marcus Rashford scoring in the 58th and 67th minutes.
• Rashford’s opener was a header from a Jules Koundé cross, followed by a long-range strike that clipped the bar past goalkeeper Nick Pope.
• The England international, on a season-long loan, said leaving Manchester United was the right decision and described his Barcelona start as exciting.
• Manager Hansi Flick and teammates Ronald Araújo and Joan Garcia lauded Rashford’s training levels, noting he has produced similar finishes in sessions.
• Newcastle manager Eddie Howe drew criticism for leaving record signing Nick Woltemade on the bench as his side played without a natural striker, and post-match proceedings were briefly disrupted by two pitch invaders during Rashford’s Man of the Match presentation.