Marcus Rashford grabbed an assist for Barcelona as they beat Albaceta to move into the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey
Marcus Rashford during Albacete vs Barcelona
Marcus Rashford during Albacete vs Barcelona(Image: Getty Images)
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Tuesday night was a nervy affair for Barcelona and Marcus Rashford but they got the result they needed in the Copa del Rey. Second-tier opponents Albacete had stunned Real Madrid in the previous round but Barca held off a late fightback from the underdogs to win 2-1.
Goals either side of half-time from Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araujo put Barcelona in control and Javi Moreno's effort was too little, too late for the hosts. Hansi Flick's side are still on course to go back-to-back in the competition, having secured an extra-time victory against Real Madrid in last season's final.
Barcelona will be able to sign Rashford on a permanent deal for £26million in the summer when his season-long loan from Manchester United comes to an end. He has shown no signs of wanting to return to his parent club despite a change in the dugout, with the forward's one-time team-mate Michael Carrick now in interim charge.
Rashford didn't add to the one goal he has scored in the competition so far, away to Guadalajara., during his first start in six matches. Here's how the Spanish media reported on his performance on Tuesday night.
Sport
Scorers Yamal and Araujo both scored eight out of 10 but Rashford was one of a number on six for Spanish publication Sport.
"He alternated between some good plays, very characteristic of English football, especially his dribbling, and others that were surprising for a player of his calibre, such as a wayward shot early in the game," they wrote. "Where he truly excels, however, is with set pieces. He delivered a pinpoint cross to Araujo's head. Another assist in his tally."
Mundo Deportivo
Mundo Deportivo provided one-word player summaries, followed by a longer review of their performances. In Rashford's case, that one word was 'Grown'.
Marcus Rashford during Albacete vs Barcelona
Rashford grabbed an assist in the cup tie(Image: Getty Images)
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"Flick asked him for more the day before: message received," they wrote. "Even considering his mistakes, which he did have, his best quality was his constant desire to make a difference.
"He missed a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but in return, he was involved in the play that led to the 1-0 goal, delivered the cross that made it 2-0, and, after a run into the box, set up Olmo for a goal, although it didn't end up being a goal."
Marca
Marca's match report pointed to Rashford's part in the opening goal. The Englishman might have set up Araujo's second but he was also involved in the opener and appeared to show he fits right into this ruthless brand of Barcelona.
"Lorenzo Aguado lost possession under pressure from De Jong, who passed to Rashford," the report read. "Rashford returned the ball to the Dutchman, who then played it out to Lamine.
"The number 10 didn't miss, firing his trademark high, angled shot across goal and into the far corner. You can't afford to make mistakes against a team like Barca."
AS
AS were another title that referenced Flick's advice to Rashford ahead of the match. However, they were less glowing in his assessment of the Englishman.
"[Marc] Bernal... more than fulfilled expectations, while Rashford failed to take the step forward his coach had demanded beforehand," they wrote. "He missed a one-on-one chance against Lizoain in a glaring fashion after just seven minutes."