Marcus Rashford made a notable return to Barcelona's starting eleven on Tuesday night, contributing an assist in their hard-fought 2-1 Copa del Rey quarter-final victory over second-division side Albacete. The match, which saw goals from Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araujo either side of half-time, kept Hansi Flick's team on course to retain the trophy they won last season after an extra-time triumph over Real Madrid.
Mixed Reviews from the Spanish Press
Despite setting up Araujo's decisive header from a corner, Rashford's overall performance received a spectrum of assessments from Spain's leading sports publications. The England international, making his first start in six matches, did not add to his ten-goal tally for the season but remained influential in Barcelona's progression.
Sport: Acknowledging Strengths and Weaknesses
The Catalan publication Sport awarded Rashford a six out of ten in their player ratings, placing him among several squad members who received average scores. Their analysis highlighted a performance of contrasts.
"He alternated between some good plays, very characteristic of English football, especially his dribbling, and others that were surprising for a player of his calibre, such as a wayward shot early in the game," their match report noted. "Where he truly excels, however, is with set pieces. He delivered a pinpoint cross to Araujo's head. Another assist in his tally."
Mundo Deportivo: Signs of Growth
Mundo Deportivo offered a more optimistic perspective, summarising Rashford's display with the single word 'Grown'. This assessment referenced manager Hansi Flick's public call for more from the player earlier in the week.
"Flick asked him for more the day before: message received," they wrote. "Even considering his mistakes, which he did have, his best quality was his constant desire to make a difference. He missed a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but in return, he was involved in the play that led to the 1-0 goal, delivered the cross that made it 2-0."
Marca: Highlighting Tactical Contribution
Marca's coverage focused on Rashford's involvement in the build-up to Barcelona's opening goal, emphasising his fit within the team's clinical style. Their report detailed his role in the sequence that led to Lamine Yamal's strike.
"Lorenzo Aguado lost possession under pressure from De Jong, who passed to Rashford," the analysis read. "Rashford returned the ball to the Dutchman, who then played it out to Lamine. The number 10 didn't miss, firing his trademark high, angled shot across goal and into the far corner. You can't afford to make mistakes against a team like Barca."
AS: A Critical Assessment
In contrast, AS delivered a notably less complimentary review, directly contrasting Rashford's performance with that of young teammate Marc Bernal and focusing on a missed early chance.
"[Marc] Bernal... more than fulfilled expectations, while Rashford failed to take the step forward his coach had demanded beforehand," they reported. "He missed a one-on-one chance against Lizoain in a glaring fashion after just seven minutes."
Context and Future Prospects
The match unfolded against a backdrop of significant change at Rashford's parent club, Manchester United, where former teammate Michael Carrick now serves as interim manager. Despite this, the 28-year-old has shown no public desire to cut short his loan spell at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona retain a £26 million option to make his move permanent when his loan agreement concludes this summer. His assist against Albacete, a disciplined side that had previously shocked Real Madrid in the competition, demonstrated his continued value in high-pressure knockout fixtures as Barcelona pursue a second consecutive Copa del Rey title.
