At a glance
- In Raphinha’s absence, Marcus Rashford started for FC Barcelona against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano.
- Guiliano Simeone put the hosts ahead on 39 minutes.
- Just three later, however, Rashford equalised after linking up excellently with Dani Olmo.
FC Barcelona forward Marcus Rashford took the chance to impress in Raphinha’s absence by scoring a stunner equaliser against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano.
Manning the left wing usually occupied by the Brazilian, the England international had some semi-dangerous runs in the opening stages of the La Liga fixture but encountered difficulties cutting inside to have a clearer shot on goal.
Lamine Yamal almost put the visitors ahead by hitting the bar. However it was when ex-Blaugrana defender Clement Lenglet caught Pau Cubarsi napping that Guiliano Simeone put Atleti ahead by latching on to the Frenchman’s long ball after 39 minutes and beating Joan Garcia.
Rashford soon responded for Barcelona
Not to be deterred by his failed attempts at getting something going in the attack, however, Rashford charged at the Atleti front line and had better success dribbling his marker.
Pulling off a fantastic 1-2 paret with Dani Olmo, he continued his run and then put the laces of his left foot through the ball to send it between Juan Musso’s legs.
A red card produced when Nico Gonzalez picked up a second yellow card for fouling Lamine on the edge of the box meant that – also thanks to Rashford – Hansi Flick’s men went down the tunnel in a lot better shape than they were when Guiliano struck.
More importantly for Rashford, though, he showed that he’s ready to step up the plate and responded in the best way possible as the Catalans look to take a seven-point lead over Real Madrid following their shock loss to Mallorca.
As Reshad Rahman reported earlier on Saturday, Barca are interested in triggering his €30 million buy-option as part of a loan agreement with Manchester United, and it is moments like this that will further convince them to do so.
In this sort of form, Rashford should also be certain to start Wednesday’s Champions League quarterfinal first leg at Camp Nou against the same opposition with Raphinha out for another month.
