Praise for his stunning goal is offset by criticism of his missed chances following 3-1 win over Elche.
Marcus Rashford was once again at the center of the conversation in Spain after his powerful second-half goal helped Barcelona secure a 3-1 victory over Elche. The win, which saw early goals from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, propelled Barca to second place in La Liga, yet the narrative around their English loanee remains complex.
While Rashford’s 61st-minute strike effectively killed off the game, registering his sixth goal since his summer move from Manchester United, it was his overall performance that drew a fascinatingly divided reaction from the country’s top sports publications.
On one side, outlets like Mundo Deportivo highlighted his decisive impact, noting he “sealed the victory with a stunning goal that showcased his best qualities.” MARCA painted a picture of a determined athlete, writing that he “put on a display of effort and attacking ambition” and “celebrated almost with passion” after finally beating the goalkeeper following several attempts.
This positive view was echoed by Sempre Barca, which awarded him a solid 8/10 for a “solid display” in which he “did well all game to trouble the Elche defence.”
However, other voices focused on what might have been. The criticism was led by AS, which took a much harsher view, stating, “If he converted every chance he created, he’d be averaging a hat trick per game.” The publication argued that he “just can’t seem to finish in the final third, squandering opportunity after opportunity.”
This media split curiously mirrors the sentiments of both the player and his manager. After the match, head coach Hansi Flick acknowledged he was “very happy” with Rashford but also suggested the forward could be scoring even more. Rashford himself seemed to agree with that assessment, candidly telling reporters, “I could have done better against Elche, and I promise to improve.”
The debate over his finishing aside, Rashford’s contribution is undeniable, with seven assists to go with his six goals, making him a key figure in Barca’s campaign. The team now turns its attention to a Champions League clash away at Club Brugge on Wednesday, followed by a league trip to Celta Vigo on Sunday, with Rashford undoubtedly remaining a focal point for both fans and critics alike.
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