The Spanish press have given their verdict on Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford's display for Barcelona in the Champions League as his side secured a stunning 6-1 victory
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona celebrates with teammate Frenkie de Jong after scoring his team's sixth goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between FC Barcelona and Olympiacos FC at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 21, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.
Marcus Rashford is starting to look at home in Barcelona colours(Image: Getty Images)
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Marcus Rashford continued his sensational form in the Champions League with another stellar performance for Barcelona on Tuesday night. The Manchester United star, who is on loan with the Spanish giants until the end of the season, was deployed in a new role in the group phase clash with Olympiacos, starting in the centre forward position in the absence of Robert Lewandowski.
The Catalans were 2-0 up at half-time thanks to a brace from Fermin Lopez, but Olympiacos’ potential comeback was hampered by a harsh red card in the 57th minute, after which Barca capitalised on having an extra man by netting four goals to secure a 6-1 win.
Rashford contributed to three of those, initially earning a penalty after being tripped by opposition goalkeeper Kostas Tzolakis following a smart one-two with Fermin, which was converted by Lamine Yamal in the 68th minute. The England international got on the scoresheet himself just six minutes later with a sharp diagonal run, taking one touch before slotting low across the goalkeeper into the far corner from the left channel.
He added another in the 79th minute, combining with Pedri on the edge of the box and clinically firing a shot in off the inside of the near post. It was the second European brace the 27-year-old has scored already for his new club, taking his Barcelona tally to five goals and six assists.
Here, we take a look at what the Spanish media made of his all-round performance - with many pointing out how he has already proven to be an astute signing for his new side despite it still being early in his Barcelona career.
'A real coup'
Spanish outlet Marca heaped praise on both Rashford and hat-trick hero Fermin, saying: “They're two players who don't make much noise, but who always contribute something to the team.”
The match report also read: “Fermín's not leaving for Chelsea in the summer has been a real blessing for Barcelona. This time, he scored the first hat trick of his Barca career.
“And the Englishman's move is also a real coup. Against Olympiacos, he scored two goals and won a penalty. No one doubts the success of his signing anymore.” Glowing praise indeed.
Kostas Tzolakis of Olympiacos clashes with Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona leading to a penalty being awarded to FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between FC Barcelona and Olympiacos FC at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on October 21, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.
The forward won a crucial penalty
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'He belongs'
Diario AS were more than convinced by the Englishman’s display, stating his goal contributions “prove he belongs in this team”. The outlet said: “He scored two goals practically without warning. One after a crisp finish inside the box and another with a short dribble and a shot at the far post.”
Barcelona's English forward #14 Marcus Rashford (L) scores their fourth goal during the UEFA Champions League league phase match-day 3 football match between FC Barcelona and Olympiakos FC at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Barcelona on October 21, 2025. (
Marcus Rashford (L) scores Barcelona's fourth goal
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'A weapon'
Sport identified Rashford as a “difference maker” following the 6-1 victory, stating he could impact the upcoming El Clasico in a similar way. It noted how impressive the Red Devils academy graduate was in the No.9 position, though he could return to his usual role as a winger against Real Madrid.
The publication also praised his set-piece taking ability, saying: “The Englishman is taking free kicks and is getting closer and closer to scoring: posts, balls to the full-back that just miss... It's about time Barca saw someone score from a free kick, a deficit that has been dragging on since Leo Messi's painful departure. The Englishman also takes corners from the left and does so with extreme danger. In the Clasico, he could be a weapon to be reckoned with.”
Manager Hansi Flick, meanwhile, was quoted as saying: “He's an important player and he gives what I expect of him. He's giving 100 percent and it's fantastic to have him. He's playing in different positions; as he gains confidence and gets to know his teammates, he'll get better.”
'Continued his fine scoring streak'
Mundo Deportivo said: “Rashford in his role as No.9 scored a brace and continued his fine scoring streak.”
It also noted that while he wasn’t as unplayable as he was against Newcastle last month, he showed his quality with his finishing and build-up play, which earned Barca a crucial penalty to make it 3-1.
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