Marcus Rashford proved Thomas Tuchel and Ruben Amorim wrong about him with the latest display for Barcelona to power them through to the next round of the domestic cup.
The opposition was modest, as Barcelona played third-division side Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey’s Round of 32, but a giant-killing was on the cards.
In fact, Barcelona needed Marcus Rashford’s second-half goal to confirm the result, having taken more than 75 minutes to score the first goal.
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In the process, Rashford proved Thomas Tuchel and Ruben Amorim wrong about his position, as he did all the damage from a position that is not his.
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona celebrates a goal with his teammates during the Spanish Cup, Copa del Rey, Round of 16 football match played between CD Guadalajara and FC Barcelona at Estadio Pedro Escartin Stadium on December 16, 2025
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Marcus Rashford shines as a striker vs Guadalajara
Rashford’s hot start at Barcelona has given way to a demotion in squad status, as the likes of Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski have returned from injuries.
Therefore, games like these, where Hansi Flick rotates his pack, have become crucial for Rashford to stress his candidature for more minutes.
Rashford has become a team player at Barcelona, which is something Flick appreciated recently, and the Man Utd loanee proved it on the pitch against Guadalajara.
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Rashford started the game as a striker and finished with one goal, three chances created, four shots, and should have arguably scored even more.
His movement and pace made him a constant thorn for the opposition’s defence, proving Tuchel wrong in the process when he said earlier this season that Rashford is not a striker.
Granted, the level of opposition was accommodating, but they made it very hard for Barcelona with a disciplined low-block, precisely the kind of setup Rashford struggles against.
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Manager Ruben Amorim arrives ahead of the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park in 2025 in London, England.
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The fact that he made such a difference despite all that proves Rashford can be anything he wants to be as long as he puts his mind to it.
Spanish press react to Rashford’s goalscoring heroics
Barcelona have taken full advantage of promoting Rashford the most on their socials, knowing the brand value and power the Man Utd tag gives him.
The Spanish press hasn’t been much different, regularly giving him special coverage, and that wasn’t going to stop for a game in which he scored.
Mundo Deportivo best described him as ‘persistent’, saying he kept going despite missing two clear-cut chances and was eventually rewarded with a goal to seal the win.
Marca wrote about Rashford’s ‘redemption’, also noting his two missed chances but praising him for ending the game by making the contribution which mattered the most.
ESPN Deportes noted Lamine Yamal’s ‘tremendous’ assist for Rashford’s goal, adding that it continues the theme of the duo ‘padding’ their goals and assists tally this season.
AS reported Rashford’s goal scored from a ‘difficult angle’, with his weaker left foot no less, to seal the win for Barcelona.
10TV also praised Rashford for his ‘breakaway’ goal in the 90th minute that ‘sealed’ the victory in an unexpectedly tricky game for the visitors against a third-division side.
Rashford is expected to find himself back on the bench on the weekend when Barcelona travel to third-placed Villarreal in the league.
However, he will back himself to make an impact off the bench again as he continues his efforts to make himself a valued player in Spain.
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