Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford was singled out by sections of the Spanish press after contributing two assists against Celta Vigo to take Barcelona within three points of Real Madrid
Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Marcus Rashford during the LaLiga EA Sports match between RC Celta de Vigo and FC Barcelona
Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Marcus Rashford during the LaLiga EA Sports match between RC Celta de Vigo and FC Barcelona
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Marcus Rashford was at the double for Barcelona as they cruised to victory at Celta Vigo on Sunday. And his brace of assists for a resurgent Robert Lewandowski extended a prolific run of form for the Manchester United loanee.
Hansi Flick's side came into this weekend sitting five points below La Liga leaders Real Madrid. However, Barca closed the gap to just three points after Los Blancos were held to a 0-0 stalemate against derby rivals Rayo Vallecano earlier on Sunday.
It wasn't a faultless display, however, as noted by portions of the Spanish media. But the general reaction to Rashford's crucial pair of assists was positive as Lewandowski, who decided the game with his hat-trick, benefited greatly from the Englishman's input.
Mundo Deportivo was particularly complimentary of the United loanee and described him as "one of the key players in Vigo." And it wasn't only his direct goal contributions that impressed, as his set piece proved potent on the west coast.
"The English striker improved his pressing performance and delivered three corners that resulted in goals," read one excerpt from the newspaper's report. "Rashford worked hard to press in defence better than in recent matches, outpaced [Oscar] Mingueza and ended up being decisive with three crosses that ended in goals, two to Lewandowski, one of them from a corner, and one that Ilaix [Moriba] deflected and Lamine Yamal finished."
The same report lauded Rashford's "excellent passing ability" and detailed just how pivotal his pressing proved in off-setting Celta's rhythm. El Pais, meanwhile, highlighted Rashford was "the Barcelona player who is taking on defenders most often when he receives the ball at his feet."
The same newspaper hailed the Englishman's "superb" cross into Lewandowski for the g-ahead goal at 2-1. Sergio Carreira's early equaliser kept things competitive for most of the first half, and it wasn't long before Borja Iglesias levelled once more before the interval.
It wasn't all praise, though, as Sport pointed out the forward's "unforgivable mistake" in missing a clear one-on-one against Celta keeper Ionut Radu. That slip in itself may not have been so terrible were it not for the fact that Carreira scored his equaliser directly from the resulting Celta counter.
"He had time, space, and every option, but his finish was weak, almost a pass to the goalkeeper," read the recap of his missed opportunity. "The clearest chance of the match evaporated without consequence...or at least, without the desired one."
But another section of the same newspaper put Rashford on a pedestal for the impacts that did hit their mark. And his "exceptional attacking performance" was deemed all the more positive considering Lamine Yamal had a faltering first period in Vigo.
"Rashford was a constant threat from the start of the match," read one passage. "He wasn't clinical with his first scoring opportunity, and in fact, Celta's first equaliser came after the England international squandered a one-on-one with Radu that could have put Barça 2-0 up.
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona competes for the ball with Manu Fernandez of RC Celta de Vigo during the LaLiga EA Sports match between RC Celta de Vigo and FC Barcelona
Rashford also hit the woodwork as Barca closed the gap on Real Madrid
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"However, this setback didn't faze Marcus, who ended up having a magnificent game and being the originator of three of the team's four goals at Balaidos. His crosses for Lewandowski's second and third goals were impeccable, and the Polish striker made the most of them.
Rashford, who could upset Liverpool's transfer plans in January, heads into the international break having contributed at least one goal or assist in seven of his last eight league starts. And England coach Thomas Tuchel will hope to have this version of the attacker back for the Three Lions' upcoming games against Serbia and Albania.
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