Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford has been slammed by Spanish media outlets in the wake of Barcelona's Champions League elimination at the hands of Atletico Madrid
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona looking disappointed
Marcus Rashford has been torn apart by the Spanish press(Image: Getty Images)
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Barcelona crashed out of the Champions League after a narrow aggregate defeat to Atletico Madrid, crushing Marcus Rashford's dreams of becoming a European champion.
Hansi Flick's side won 2-1 on the night but a 2-0 first leg defeat ensured a 3-2 aggregate win for Atletico, who have advanced to their first Champions League semi-final since 2017. Rashford came on as a second half sub with Barcelona looking for a winner but struggled to make an impact.
In the aftermath, media outlets in Spain slammed the England forward's performance, with SPORT branding him "inoperative" and questioning his "character" in big moments.
"When Rashford came on, he didn't contribute anything special," they wrote. "He lacks the character to be decisive in crucial moments."
Mundo Deportivo echoed that sentiment, insisting he "failed to improve Barcelona in the final third," while Football Espana noted he "looked off the pace," awarding him a modest 5.5/10 rating - lower than most of his team-mates.
AS went even further, not only hammering Rashford's ineffective display but also offering a brutal verdict on his Barcelona future. "As usual, lots of fuss and nothing," they wrote after the game. "He can't continue next year."
Rashford looking dejected
Rashford came on from the bench but couldn't prevent Barcelona's elimination(Image: Oscar J Barroso/AFP7/Shutterstock)
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Overall it was a frustrating night for Barcelona, despite a blistering start that briefly ignited hopes of a comeback. Lamine Yamal struck after just four minutes, before Ferran Torres' goal drew the tie level on aggregate midway through the first half. But the momentum was short-lived, as Ademola Lookman restored Atletico's aggregate advantage just after the half-hour mark.
Rashford was introduced alongside Robert Lewandowski in the 69th minute but Barcelona's task soon became even harder. For the second time in the tie, they were reduced to 10 men, with Eric Garcia judged to have tripped Alexander Sorloth on the edge of the box as the last man.
The red card proved a crushing blow at a critical moment. Still, Barcelona pushed forward in search of the goal that would have forced extra time, only to be repelled by Diego Simeone's predictably disciplined side.
Atletico Madrid players celebrate as Barcelona players look dejected after the final whistle
Atletico Madrid sealed a 3-2 aggregate victory to maintain their perfect record against Barcelona in the Champions League(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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In doing so, Atletico preserved their remarkable record against Barcelona in the Champions League - having knocked them out on every occasion they've met in the competition, including in 2013/14 and 2015/16.
For Rashford, the result was a double disappointment. The Manchester United loanee made little secret of his desire to win the Champions League when the joined the club last year, having failed to do so during a decade at Old Trafford.
His ineffective performance will also do little to strengthen his case for a permanent move. The 28-year-old is keen to remain in Catalonia beyond this season but an agreement between United and Barca has yet to be reached.
Rashford has had a bright campaign in Spain, registering 12 goals and 13 assists in 43 appearances. However, in recent weeks he has been used predominantly from the bench, suggesting his long-term future at Barcelona is far from secure.