Spanish media agree on Marcus Rashford after Barcelona fans show feelings | Football | Sport

Marcus Rashford has received praise from Spanish media following an impressive display in a rare Barcelona start. Hansi Flick’s team stretched their La Liga advantage to four points with a 3-0 victory against Mallorca at the Nou Camp. With Raphinha sidelined, Rashford was given his first league start since January 3 and seized the opportunity. Robert Lewandowski broke the deadlock in the 29th minute following a Rashford attempt that was kept out.

Lamine Yamal, finding the net for a fifth consecutive match, added a second shortly after the hour mark before fellow teenager Marc Bernal sealed the triumph with his first senior goal seven minutes from the final whistle. However, it was Rashford who garnered most of the plaudits from the media and supporters, who afforded the Manchester United loanee a standing ovation when he was withdrawn during the second period.

Mundo Deportivo described Rashford’s showing as “hyperactive” and commended him for energising Barca after a lethargic start. They commented: “By far, one of Barca’s most purposeful players in a first half that was collectively very flat.

“Taking Flick’s challenge to heart, he assumed attacking responsibility when the game looked its worst, producing the most dangerous shots, the second leading to the 1-0 goal, and sending a beautiful free kick straight off the crossbar. Substituted to well-deserved applause.”

El Desmarque, referencing the side’s sluggish opening, commended Rashford and Yamal for rousing Barca “from their siesta”. AS likewise praised Rashford, though noted he enjoyed more room than Yamal, who was “constantly facing a three-on-one on the right flank”. They additionally observed that “Rashford’s form has improved throughout the season”.

The Barca Universal website awarded Rashford an 8.5/10 rating and commented: “Rashford was perhaps Barcelona’s most potent threat in the first half as he did not hesitate to cut in and shoot, creating a ruckus in the Mallorca area and bombarding Roman’s goal with powerful strikes.

“He also did well providing a wide threat, although his crosses were well defended for the greater part. In fact, the opening goal stemmed from his shot on goal which fell kindly for Lewandowski.”

The Football Espana site proved slightly less generous, awarding him a 7/10 but still delivered positive feedback, stating: “Barcelona’s best attacker, and he can count himself unlucky that he did not find the back of the net with one of his ferocious strikes.”

Meanwhile, Barca Blaugranes suggested Barca stirred into life “thanks in large part to Marcus Rashford, who was the brightest and most active of the Blaugrana attackers”.