Superb Rashford sinks Newcastle as Barcelona triumph

Marcus Rashford made a spectacular Champions League bow for Barcelona as Newcastle United's campaign got off to a losing start at St James' Park.

Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, became Newcastle's tormentor when he broke open a tight encounter with two swift second-half goals.

In front of England head coach Thomas Tuchel, Rashford flashed a fine header beyond Newcastle keeper Nick Pope from Jules Kounde's cross after 58 minutes to silence a typically feverish Tyneside atmosphere.

Rashford produced an even better moment nine minutes later when he hammered home a stunning 20-yard drive in off the crossbar past the helpless Pope. These were his first Champions League goals in almost four years.

It capped a highly impressive night for Rashford, who figured in the Champions League on loan at Aston Villa last season, playing a full part in Barcelona's vast array of attacking talent, even without brilliant injured teenager Lamine Yamal.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe sprung a selection surprise, leaving new £69m striker Nick Woltemade on the bench in preference to using Anthony Gordon in the central position.

Gordon struggled to make an impact as Barcelona's superiority told the longer the game went on, with Rashford as the deadly finisher.

The England striker was given a deserved standing ovation from Barcelona's supporters when he was substituted with ten minutes left.

Newcastle were given hope of a comeback when Gordon slid home a finish at the start of seven minutes of added time, but Barcelona held out.

Newcastle United analysis: Howe's selection fails to pay off

Newcastle team selection raised eyebrows when the big summer striker acquisition to replace Alexander Isak, Woltemade, was left on the bench.

Woltemade made a scoring debut following his move from Stuttgart with the winner against Wolverhampton Wanderers, although he did come off with cramp, which may have played a part in Howe's thoughts.

Gordon was used through the centre, presumably in a bid to trouble Barcelona with pace, and while he got on the scoresheet late on, he struggled to make a concerted impression.

Newcastle, roared on by the typically noisy and passionate Toon Army, gave as good as they got for almost an hour until Rashford made his mark, their biggest chance coming after 23 minutes when Anthony Elanga played in Harvey Barnes, only for an unconvincing finish from the winger.

Former Newcastle hero Tino Asprilla was in attendance at St James' Park, reviving memories of his finest hour in a black and white shirt, when he scored a hat-trick in a 3-2 win against Barcelona in the Champions League in September 1997.

There was to be no repeat here, but this was a spirited effort by Newcastle, who showed enough to give them hope for the battles ahead in the tournament's league table format.

Newcastle's fans appreciated their side's endeavours against a Barcelona side of such experience and quality, giving them a rousing reception at the final whistle.

Barcelona analysis: Rashford leads array of attacking riches

Barcelona may have been robbed of the genius of 18-year-old forward Lamine Yamal because of injury, but Hansi Flick's side still had too much threat for their hosts.

Rashford was the star turn with two goals, but other dangers came from former Leeds United star Raphinha, while there was impressive control in midfield from Frenkie de Jong, Pedri and Fermin Lopez.

Barcelona will be looking to go one step further in the Champions League than last season, when they lost a spectacular semi-final to Inter Milan, and with Yamal back they will consider themselves among the favourites to go deep into the tournament once more.

This, however, was Rashford's night as he silenced the taunts of Newcastle's fans and delivered a strong message to the watching Tuchel.

What's next for Newcastle United?

Newcastle next game is away to Bournemouth on Sunday at 14:00 BST. They then face Bradford City in defence of their Carabao Cup crown in the third round at St James' Park on Wednesday, 24 September at 19:45 BST.