Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has challenged Marcus Rashford. And just one day later, he received a surprising answer when Barca opened the Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United right at St. Petersburg. James' Park.
Before the match, Flick urged Rashford to prove himself when returning to England. The England striker did that with a brace in the second half. The first goal was a beautiful header, the other goal was a great long-range shot that hit the edge of the crossbar before going into the net.
These were also Rashford's first goals for the Blaugrana since he moved from Manchester United in the summer of 2025. In the end, Flick's team had an important victory in the European arena, in a match in which Newcastle also left their mark.
Anthony Gordon's goal in the 90th minute opened the stressful 7 minutes of extra time, but could not overshadow Rashford's brilliant performance.
Rashford is famous for needing just one game to "open the account" for Man United, and 10 games for Aston Villa. After a modest start in Catalan, he scored his first goal in his fifth appearance. At the same time, Rashford became the first English player to score for Barcelona in the Champions League since Gary Lineker in 1989.
"For me, it was just the first step. He needs to take another step. Scoring in England, in the first Champions League match against Barcelona, was great. It will help him become more confident in himself, and that is the most important thing.
I'm not surprised. His skills and finishing are incredible. For a striker, scoring is always great. I am really happy, because he is an important player. When we discussed before the season what the team needed, that was exactly the type of player we were looking for," said the German captain.
The biggest compliments Rashford received from the home fans were... the fierce whistling when he left the pitch at the end of the match. The moment Flick hugged him on the touchline must have reminded him of how excited he was when facing Newcastle. And now, Rashford has scored 11 goals in 16 appearances against this opponent.
The last two goals are probably the most memorable. Scoring Barcelona's first goal to open the scoring in a tense match in the Champions League, back in England, was the perfect time. The context is even more meaningful as during difficult periods at Man United, he was left out. This is a reminder that Rashford still has a lot to contribute at the highest level.
Flick is certainly pleased. With Lamine Yamal sidelined through injury, many have questioned Barca's attacking ability. That skepticism is reasonable, especially after a stalemate in the first half, but Rashford - backed by Raphinha, Fermin Lopez and Robert Lewandowski - knew how to shine at the right time.
Rashford, a player who was left out by Man United, became the catalyst for the Blaugrana's impressive away performance in the European arena. Newcastle are one of the most difficult challenges in the League Phase they will face.
Newcastle's remarkable progress in recent years has resonated with the passionate atmosphere at St. Petersburg. James' Park, just made Rashford's victory and brilliance more romantic.
"In just a moment, I felt there was a gap. I think you should try shooting. Their player was trying to rush out to block me, so I decided to lift the ball up. I know that when the ball goes to the right spot, the goalkeeper will take a little time to react" - Rashford shared about his second goal.
Anthony Gordon's goal in the 90th minute, along with a 7-minute extra time report, reignited the noise and confidence in the St. Petersburg audience. James' Park. But that was all Newcastle could do.
Pedri quickly regained control, and Barca ended the game in a way they could not in the semi-finals last season, when they fell to Inter Milan in a classic match. This time, they stood firm, and Rashford had a memorable night for himself.
