Marcus Rashford has found things tougher in the second half of his season-long loan from Manchester United to Barcelona
Marcus Rashford sees a shot saved by Marko Dimitrovic during Barcelona vs Espanyol
Marcus Rashford had a game of ups and downs against Espanyol(Image: Getty Images)
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Barcelona claimed another win on Saturday to move one step closer to the Spanish title but it was a mixed day for Marcus Rashford. The on-loan Manchester United forward missed a golden chance to put his team 3-1 up midway through the second half but eventually got his goal late on when he volleyed home a Frenkie de Jong cross.
Rashford's late effort rounded out a 4-1 victory for Hansi Flick's side. It came after two winless games for title rivals Real Madrid, leaving Barca nine points clear at the top with just seven games remaining.
While some elements of the Spanish media felt they had to reference the earlier miss, the England international also got credit where it was due for finishing the trickier of his two chances. It was his 12th goal of the season and just his second since a short injury lay-off in February.
Barcelona will return to action in midweek as they look for a comeback against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League and Rashford could have a part to play there. Here's what the media said after his latest contribution.
Mundo Deportivo
The one-word player-ratings at Mundo Deportivo saw Rashford described as 'persistent'. There was credit for how he described to the first setback, when he took took long over his shot and was denied by goalkeeper Marko Dimitrovic.
"He missed his first chance, but he kept working, helping in defence with his speed and the reward for his solidarity was the pass from De Jong that he converted into the final 4-1," they wrote.
In a wider report, the same publication pointed to the fact that the miss from Rashford ensured Barca couldn't relax until Lamine Yamal scored their third in the closing stages. However, they said the Englishman "redeemed himself" with the a volley.
Football Espana
Rashford earned a 6.5/10 score from Football Espana, the same as fellow sub De Jong. "Missed a sitter to make it 3-1, but made up for it in the closing stages with a fine volley," they wrote.
Marcus Rashford celebrating against Espanyol
Rashford eventually got his name on the scoresheet(Image: AP)
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Ferran Torres scored twice for the hosts in their 4-1 win but it was team-mate Lamine Yamal who stole the show. "Barcelona’s golden boy does it again," they wrote, awarding him 9/10.
"He created Ferran’s two goals, before scoring his own late on to make it 3-1. Atleti will be scared if he replicates this performance at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano."
Sport took a slightly different tack, deciding they didn't even need to dwell on the miss. Giving him a 7/10 for his display from the bench, the goal was the only thing they felt they needed to mention.
"He scored the fourth goal of the game after a magnificent pass from Frenkie de Jong, finishing the move with a truly world-class finish," they wrote. "With barely any angle, he delicately placed the ball with the inside of his foot, curling a perfect cross-shot across goal."
Rashford's goal was only a footnote in Sport's more detailed match report. Instead, they focused on Flick's reluctance to rest too many players, and it remains to be seen whether the loanee is trusted from the start against Atleti.
Even when referencing Rashford's late goal, AS referenced his earlier miss from an "incredible" chance. The publication reflected on Flick's reluctance to rotate, while offering hope against Atleti despite a 2-0 home loss in the first leg.
"The gamble on Ferran Torres paid off perfectly; the Canary Islander's lack of match fitness is still worrying. And Gavi's inclusion in the starting lineup showed that the Andalusian has returned like a beast," they wrote.
"He changed the team's dynamic ahead of a Champions League match that won't be won with football alone, but with character. And Gavi proved yesterday that he has more than enough."