Newcastle United vs Barcelona

'A joy to watch!' – Jack Grealish in awe of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong while Paul Scholes hails Spanish midfielder as his 'new favourite' after Barcelona masterclass against Newcastle

Barcelona’s midfield brilliance stole the spotlight in their 2-1 Champions League win over Newcastle, with Pedri and Frenkie de Jong running the show. Jack Grealish labelled the pair “a joy to watch,” while Manchester United legend Paul Scholes called Pedri his “new favourite footballer.” Their dominance set the platform for Marcus Rashford’s decisive brace.

'Marcus Rashford is spectacular' – Hansi Flick, Ronald Araujo and Joan Garcia all sing Barcelona forward's praises after decisive two-goal display against Newcastle

Marcus Rashford marked his first big Champions League night in Barcelona colours with a stunning brace against Newcastle at St. James’ Park. The forward became only the second Englishman to score for Barca in Europe, earning glowing praise from Hansi Flick, Ronald Araujo and Joan Garcia after firing the Catalan giants to a vital 2-1 win.

'It's difficult' – Marcus Rashford opens up on Barcelona struggles after scoring first goals during spectacular Champions League win at Newcastle

Marcus Rashford admits it has been "difficult" for him to settle quickly at Barcelona, after completing a loan move from Manchester United, but he is up and running on the competitive goal front. That account was opened when netting a stunning brace for the Liga giants in their first fixture of the 2025-26 Champions League campaign away at Newcastle.

VIDEO: Man Utd skipper Bruno Fernandes left STUNNED as on-loan Marcus Rashford scores screamer against Newcastle in Champions League to complete Barcelona brace

Bruno Fernandes was left stunned as Marcus Rashford scored a screamer against Newcastle. The English forward delivered a Champions League masterclass in Barcelona colours, leaving even his Manchester United teammates in awe. The on-loan forward silenced St James’ Park with two goals of pure class as the Spanish champions edged the Magpies in a dramatic European opener.

Newcastle player ratings vs Barcelona: Marcus Rashford shows Magpies' wasteful forwards how it's done! Eddie Howe's men punished for failing to take their chances against clinical Catalans

Newcastle United promised so much on their return to the Champions League but Marcus Rashford's moments of magic secured Barcelona a hard-fought 2-1 win. Eddie Howe's team got their tactics spot on for the majority of the contest but the Catalan outfit had that extra bit of quality, despite Anthony Gordon's late consolation strike.

'Incredible' Marcus Rashford trusted to fill in for injured Lamine Yamal as Hansi Flick hails Man Utd loanee ahead of Barcelona showdown against Newcastle

Barcelona will kick off their Champions League campaign against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Thursday with injuries clouding preparations. Lamine Yamal is ruled out, but coach Hansi Flick is placing his faith in Marcus Rashford to step up. With Frenkie de Jong and Gavi’s fitness also under scrutiny, the Blaugrana enter the competition looking to improve on last season’s heartbreak.

Barcelona, you've been warned! Newcastle are 'really tough to beat at St James' Park' as club legend predicts Spanish giants to drop points in Champions League opener

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has delivered a fiery warning to Barcelona ahead of their Champions League opener, insisting the Spanish heavyweights won’t find life easy at St James’ Park. The Magpies icon, speaking ahead of Thursday night’s clash, believes his old club are more than capable of denting Barca’s campaign and snatching vital points on home soil.

Barcelona confirm another Camp Nou delay as Getafe game to be played in 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium with Champions League deadline approaching

Barcelona’s wait to return to Camp Nou drags on, as it was confirmed their upcoming La Liga clash against Getafe will be played at the 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium. While the club hope to secure the necessary license in time, focus is already shifting to the Champions League deadline, with UEFA demanding assurances before the crunch clash against Paris Saint-Germain on October 1.