Rashford's brace leads Barcelona to 2-1 win at Newcastle

Marcus Rashford scored a second half brace to give FC Barcelona a 2-1 win at Newcastle United on Thursday, marking a stirring return to England for the 27 year old and his first two goals for the Catalan club in the UEFA Champions League at St James Park. Rashford opened the scoring with a 58th minute header from Jules Kounde's cross and doubled the lead nine minutes later with a ferocious long range drive that struck the underside of the bar and bounced in.

The goals came after a tactical reshuffle by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, who moved Raphinha to the right wing in the absence of Lamine Yamal and started Rashford on the left. Flick praised his loanee after the game, saying he had to seize the opportunity to sign Rashford when it arose and that the striker's display was a first step toward rebuilding his confidence. England coach Thomas Tuchel watched from the stands.

Rashford also used the appearance to claim a small piece of club history. Club records indicate he is the first English player to appear for Barcelona in the Champions League era; Gary Lineker remains the only other Englishman to have played for the club in major European competition, albeit before the...