Spanish media have delivered a unified verdict after Marcus Rashford was surprisingly dropped to the bench for Barcelona's vital 2-0 victory over Villarreal on Sunday. The on-loan Manchester United forward, who had started a cup tie just days before, made way for the returning Raphinha as manager Hansi Flick shuffled his pack.
The Tactical Decision That Paid Off
The reigning champions travelled to the Estadio de la Ceramica knowing a win was essential after rivals Real Madrid had moved temporarily top with a Saturday victory. Flick's decision to start Raphinha was immediately vindicated, as the Brazilian superstar opened the scoring after just 12 minutes. Teenage sensation Lamine Yamal then sealed the three points just after the hour mark, extending Barça's lead at the La Liga summit to four points.
Rashford eventually entered the fray in the 63rd minute, replacing Fermin Lopez. The English international injected pace and direct running, but spurned a golden chance to score in the 89th minute when his delicate chip was cleared off the line by Villarreal defender Sergi Cardona.
Media Analysis: Praise for Impact Despite Bench Role
Despite his late miss, the consensus across Spain's major sports publications was overwhelmingly positive regarding Rashford's contribution from the bench.
Marca noted his dangerous presence, stating he "always gives the impression of being very dangerous" and that only Cardona's intervention prevented a goal. They did, however, critique the finish on his one-on-one opportunity as "weak."
Sport awarded Rashford a 7/10 for his substitute appearance, highlighting his comfort in exploiting space with powerful runs. They wrote: "He's much more comfortable with space, exploiting it with long runs and powerful dribbles... His commitment and dedication were complete." The outlet also defended Flick's selection, arguing that the fit-again Raphinha offers an "extra dimension defensively" with his essential work rate.
AS focused on the 28-year-old's physical attributes, noting he "used his power and speed to do a lot of damage from the left flank." They also pointed to the enviable squad depth that allowed Flick to bring players of Rashford and Robert Lewandowski's calibre off the bench.
Mundo Deportivo summarised Rashford's performance in a single word: "Refreshing." They hailed him as a "potential game changer" whose speed was his best asset, forcing Villarreal's Tajon Buchanan into a yellow-card offence.
What This Means for Rashford's Barcelona Loan
The widespread media praise suggests Rashford remains a highly valued member of Flick's squad, even when not in the starting eleven. His ability to change games from the bench is seen as a major asset in a long title race. The competition with Raphinha appears healthy, with each player offering distinct qualities. For now, the German coach's decision proved tactically astute, delivering a crucial away win that solidifies Barcelona's position at the top of the table as the season approaches its midway point.
