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Marcus Rashford scored to put Barcelona one step closer to another league title with a 2-1 win against Atletico Madrid.
After Real Madrid’s 2-1 loss to Mallorca, Barcelona had the chance to take a step closer to the league title, but in a difficult game against Diego Simeone’s side.
Marcus Rashford earned a starting berth after Raphinha’s injury, and he didn’t let Hansi Flick down, scoring a great goal in the first half to draw his team level.
Robert Lewandowski ultimately completed the comeback started by Rashford, but the Spanish press delivered a confusing verdict on his performance.
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Credit: Getty Images How Marcus Rashford fared vs Atletico
The injury to Raphinha is finally allowing Rashford to start in his favoured position on the left wing, and he looked like a player unleashed.
He constantly led Barcelona’s transitions, and the goal came down that side after some neat combination play saw him clean through on goal.
Rashford hammered home a confident finish with his left foot, and it summed up a good game from him.
In addition to his goal, Rashford created three chances, one of which was categorised as a “big chance”.
Both his shots found the target, and he became the team’s designated set-piece taker on free-kicks and corners. The defensive contribution was missing, and he wasn’t strong in duels, but Barcelona couldn’t have won this game without him.
He played 79 minutes and Barcelona scored the winner after he came off, but it wasn’t for a lack of trying on Rashford’s part. [Stats courtesy Fotmob]
The Spanish press, however, looked at it slightly differently, crediting Rashford for his goal but delivering a confusing verdict on his all-around performance.
Spanish press react to Rashford vs Atletico
The Spanish press have been largely kind to Rashford this season, and he has deserved that treatment by doing well and working hard.
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However, despite setting Barcelona on their way to a comeback against Atletico, the Spanish press weren’t too impressed with him.
Mundo Deportivo used the word “Galloping” to describe him, saying his presence was “always dangerous” but he “didn’t finish his runs well”.
They noted his hard work off the ball, but wanted to see more from him in the second half.
AS also called Rashford “inconsistent”, adding that he started the game “dynamically and directly”, but faded in the second half.
Marca were similar in their verdict on Rashford, noting his well-taken goal but choosing to give more flowers to fellow Barcelona loanee Joao Cancelo.
El Pais were even more brutal, saying Rashford is “always inconsistent”, as he’s “no Raphinha, neither in his off-ball work nor pressing”.
SPORT were more kind, rating Rashford 7/10 and calling him a “bull” for his direct running and penetrative attacking threat.
It summed up a confusing game for Rashford, who scored in a marquee game but continues to mystify with his all-around performances.
Man Utd fans will know that that’s the quintessential Marcus Rashford experience.
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