Marcus Rashford was substituted at half-time after making his first competitive start for Barcelona on Saturday night.
Barcelona continued their impressive start to the 2025/26 season with a 3-2 win over Levante.
Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford made his first competitive start for the La Liga champions, playing on the left wing, in a fluid front four also consisting of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Ferran Torres.
Rashford made his debut off the bench last week and played 20 minutes, only to be excused from Hansi Flick’s post-match rant about his players, despite cruising to a 3-0 win over Mallorca.
A substitute cameo against Mallorca earned Rashford a start away at Levante, although he was bound to benefit from the fact that Robert Lewandowski was ruled out with an injury.
Flick didn’t trust Rashford enough to lead the line. Instead, the wide man played on the left, but he was unable to have any goalscoring impact on the game before being hauled off at the break.
Levante UD v FC Barcelona - LaLiga EA Sports
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Hansi Flick explains decision to substitute Marcus Rashford at half-time
Rashford wasn’t the only Barcelona player to be hooked at half-time as Levante led 2-0.
The 27-year-old came off along with Marc Casado, before the pair were replaced by Dani Olmo and Gavi.
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It took just four minutes for Barcelona to begin a comeback, with Pedri scoring from distance.
Barcelona were level three minutes later when former Man City forward Torres scored a volley.
Then, an own goal from Unai Elgezabal in the 91st minute secured three points for Barcelona.
Speaking to the press after beating Levante 3-2, Flick explained his decision to take off Rashford at half-time, saying (via GOAL): “Marcus has a few chances in the first half and showed he can help us.
“In the second half, we needed to make changes, and we put Raphinha on the wing. I think they were the right changes to make. The first goal after the break changed the game.”
Flick’s willingness to start Rashford will come as a break, but the German coach has shown he is not afraid to hook him at half-time if changes are required.
The changes on Saturday night were justified as Barcelona went on to win the match, despite being two-goals behind at the break.
Rashford stats vs Levante
In the early stages of Barcelona’s 3-2 win over Levante, Rashford had an early chance after taking a corner which was cleared back to him.
The United academy graduate drove towards the box before forcing a comfortable save from Levante stopper Pablo Campos.
Rashford did not have the impact he wanted on the game, but he still managed to link up well with Pedri at times. Flick will see that as something he can build on throughout the season.
Here are Rashford’s stats from his first competitive start at Barcelona:
Minutes played: 45
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Total shots: 1
Accurate passes: 30/30 (100%)
Chances created: 2
Expected goals (xG): 0.03
Touches: 41
Touches in the opposition box: 6
Successful dribbles: 2/5 (40%)