Spanish media deliver Marcus Rashford verdict following Barcelona controversy

The Spanish media have had their say on Marcus Rashford’s outing for Barcelona against Girona on Saturday

Marcus Rashford played the entire game as Barcelona snatched a dramatic late victory against Girona on Saturday, with Ronald Araujo netting a stoppage-time winner. The 2-1 victory propelled Barcelona to the summit of La Liga and extended Rashford’s impressive run of form for the Catalan club.

The England international joined the Spanish giants on loan from Manchester United this summer and has already notched three goals and provided five assists across 11 appearances, including a stunning double against Newcastle United in the Champions League last month.

Operating on the left flank, Rashford earned widespread praise for his display. While he failed to find the net or create a goal, the forward troubled Girona’s defence throughout with an inventive and energetic showing, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Rashford’s strong performances follow Barcelona boss Hansi Flick rubbishing claims that the striker faced stricter punishment than Lamine Yamal regarding disciplinary issues.

Reports in the Spanish press claimed club officials ‘compelled’ Flick to include Yamal in the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month, despite the teenager arriving late to a team briefing.

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Rashford had been dropped to the bench for September’s La Liga fixture with Getafe following an identical disciplinary violation.

Flick dismissed the allegations, branding the rumours as “lies” and insisting he retained complete control over disciplinary decisions, declaring “It’s b******t”. With the controversy from that incident now firmly in the rear-view mirror, Mirror Football examines what the Spanish media made of Rashford’s showing against Girona.

SPORT – ‘Incisive and dangerous’

Writing for SPORT, Jordi Gil wrote: “The match was already very difficult for FC Barcelona, and Girona made it even more difficult .[Girona manager] Michel’s team caught the Catalans with their backs open on numerous occasions, and their lack of accuracy condemned them.

“Barca also had their chances, especially with Rashford, who was incisive and dangerous from set pieces, but the match seemed doomed to a draw, or even a point could be feared on the counterattack. Rashford was doing more damage on the left than in midfield.”

Marca – ‘Rashford hit the crossbar’

Rashford received two stars – a positive rating – for his performance from the Spanish outlet Marca. Fernando Carnerero wrote: “The Blaugrana’s response was a shot from close range by De Jong that [Paulo] Gazzaniga sent out for a corner, and a Rashford free kick that hit the crossbar.

“Cubarsi made it 2-1, but Jesus Gil ruled it out for a foul by Eric Garcia on Hugo Rincon. This action spurred the crowd and the home side to their feet, who had three chances, all from Rashford, in which the Girona goalkeeper was accurate.”

MonEsport – ‘A very active Rashford’

Oriol Cartró said for MonEsport: “Hansi Flick has had to put an unprecedented offensive trident on the Montjuic pitch, with the return of Lamine Yamal after his injury, Marcus Rashford at left wing and a surprising Toni Fernández at the forefront of the attack.

“Pablo Gazzaniga prevented Frenkie de Jong from putting his team ahead again with a spectacular handball, while only the crossbar was able to avoid a wonderful free kick from Rashford.

“Barca continued to attack insistently and only Gazzaniga was able to stop the Barca attacks, especially from a very active Rashford on the pitch, while Girona was very serious in defence.”

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