Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford earned mixed reviews in Spain after playing a key role in Barcelona’s 4-2 win over Celta Vigo on Sunday, providing two crucial assists for Robert Lewandowski but also missing what one outlet described as an “unforgivable” chance.
Rashford’s link-up play with Lewandowski proved decisive as Hansi Flick’s side closed the gap on La Liga leaders Real Madrid to three points, following Los Blancos’ goalless draw with Rayo Vallecano earlier in the day.
Spanish sports daily Mundo Deportivo was full of praise for the English forward, describing him as “one of the key players in Vigo” and applauding his improved pressing and set-piece delivery.
“Rashford worked hard to press in defence better than in recent matches, outpaced Mingueza, and ended up being decisive with three crosses that resulted in goals,” the paper reported.
El País also highlighted Rashford’s influence, noting that he “took on defenders more often than any other Barcelona player” and delivered a “superb cross” for Lewandowski’s second goal.
However, Sport took a sterner view, pointing out the forward’s glaring miss in a one-on-one with Celta goalkeeper Ionut Radu, which led directly to Celta’s equaliser through Sergio Carreira moments later.
“He had time, space, and every option, but his finish was weak — almost a pass to the goalkeeper,” the outlet wrote, calling the error “unforgivable.”
Despite the miss, other sections of Sport still commended Rashford’s overall impact, describing his performance as “exceptional” and crediting him for creating three of Barça’s four goals at Balaídos. The 26-year-old also struck the woodwork as Barcelona sealed a vital away victory.
Rashford now heads into the international break in fine form, having registered a goal or assist in seven of his last eight league starts. England manager Thomas Tuchel will hope the forward carries this momentum into the upcoming fixtures against Serbia and Albania.
