Marcus Rashford of Barcelona(Image: Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford's debut in El Clasico ended in disappointment as Barcelona fell to defeat against Real Madrid. Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe found the net to seal a 2-1 victory for Los Blancos on Sunday, opening up a five-point advantage at the summit of La Liga.
A second loss in three league matches has left Barca trailing in second spot. But it wasn't entirely doom and gloom for Manchester United loanee Rashford, who was handed a start and played a crucial role in setting up the visitors' sole strike.
It was Rashford's clever movement down the left flank of Real's penalty area and subsequent pass that allowed Fermin Lopez to level matters in the 38th minute. That represented the England international's finest moment before he was shifted to a central attacking role following Ferran Torres' substitution.
Despite the deflating outcome, Rashford, who spent the second half of last season on loan at [Aston Villa](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/all-about/aston-villa-fc), earned plaudits from sections of the Spanish press following his display. And his maiden outing in one of football's most prestigious encounters could have gone considerably worse looking back.
"The Englishman had a good performance in his first Clasico," read Rashford's match performance review in AS. "He set up Fermin to equalize and worked hard in the pressing."
Barcelona entered Sunday's clash without a host of crucial players. Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Gavi and Dani Olmo were all missing from the attack and midfield alone.
Nevertheless, Sport offered a glowing assessment of Rashford's chances before his maiden Clasico appearance. The Catalan publication praised his stint so far, declaring the Red Devils exile is "living the dream" since arriving at the Camp Nou on a season-long loan.
"So much so that in the most-watched match on the planet, in the sporting event that generates the most passion and impact, he'll be a starter," read the report. "Rashford will have a starring role in a true Clasico. When the ball is kicked off, he'll be one of the surprise guests at the table for LaLiga's most important match.
"Predictably, with Ferran back in the starting lineup, he'll play on the left wing. A golden opportunity for the British icon to continue showing the world that he's back and on the right path."
Mundo Deportivo proved far more critical of his display and branded the performance "baffling." And an assist wasn't enough to see more upside in his contribution.
"His smart assist to Fermin...didn't fix a match in which he seemed capable of creating more danger than he did when he received the ball," it read. "He didn't make the most of his power when he had space. As a No. 9, he was worse than as a winger."
Parts of that critique might appear harsh given Rashford's contribution exceeded that of most team-mates.