

A motivational Barcelona defeated Newcastle United 2-1 in their UEFA Champions League 2025–26 season opener at St. James' Park on Thursday, thanks to two goals in nine minutes of the second half from Marcus Rashford, who celebrated his homecoming to England. The visitor had to withstand an early storm as Newcastle pressed high relentlessly, missing important players Lamine Yamal, Alejandro Balde, and Gavi due to injuries. Early in the game, goalkeeper Joan Garcia made an incredible reaction save to deny Harvey Barnes from close range.
The five-time European champion gradually gained control of proceedings until English forward Rashford broke the deadlock in the 58th minute, scoring his first goal for Barcelona with an angled header from Jules Kounde’s right-wing cross that nestled just inside the left post beyond Nick Pope’s reach.