Barcelona opened their UEFA Champions League 2025-26 campaign with a strong 2-1 win over Newcastle United away from home at St. James Park on Thursday. The win saw Barcelona’s new acquisition from Manchester United, Marcus Rashford, scoring a brace in a span of nine minutes. Rashford scored a goal in the 58th minute, putting his team in the lead, before he scored another one in the 67th minute to double Barca’s lead.
Having come into Barcelona on loan from Man United, Rashford is feeling at ease after a cold exit from his previous club. He credited the club and the playing style, saying playing for Blaugrana is making him a better player.
“I’m learning a lot, it’s a new style of football. But it’s making me a better player. Honestly, it’s an amazing experience,” he said after the match.
“I’ve always been a huge admirer of Barcelona, every player my age has watched them play, it’s amazing football. We want to win as much as possible. 100% I’m full of excitement. I’m very motivated and determined. The quality we have in the team excites me. It’s so refreshing to play with these players,” added Rashford.
Rashford also sang praises for his new manager, Hansi Flick, and said he could feel the confidence the German has given to him.
“He’s very important. I feel the confidence he’s given me. I knew he was a top manager before I arrived here, but to work with him is a pleasure. I hope the good relationship will continue for the rest of the season,” he said.
Speaking on Champions League title hope, Rashford said: “For sure, everybody dreams of winning the Champions League. Now I’m at Barcelona, the dream is with Barcelona. I hope we can win the tournament; there’s some very good confidence. Hopefully we can go game by game and keep improving as a team.”
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Barcelona have a £26m buy option at the end of the loan deal to make his temporary switch from United permanent.
Commenting on the prospect of staying at Barcelona long-term after joining on loan this summer, Rashford said. “As many as possible. We will see,” Rashford said when questioned about his future. “I have to focus on trying to do my job and trying to help the team in whichever way I can,” he was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.
‘Great to have Rashford’ – Flick
Barca boss Flick, too, did not shy away from heaping praises on Rashford, saying he is happy to have him in the squad and also it’s important to make Rashford feel okay.
“We always see this from Rashford in training and we saw it here. I’m happy for him. In the offense we have a lot of good players and he’s one. I’m happy to have him. He gives us more options to follow the match. It’s great to have him. These two goals will help a lot to get Marcus to the next step. It’s so important he has the confidence and feels OK. These goals are unbelievable for him for the next steps,” Flick was quoted as saying by BBC Sports.
