Spanish media react after Marcus Rashford is subbed off at half-time in Barcelona comeback

Some of Spain’s most prominent media outlets have reacted to Marcus Rashford’s latest performance for Barcelona after the Catalan giants recorded a dramatic 3-2 win over Levante.

Marcus Rashford made his first competitive start under Hansi Flick on Saturday, lining up in an attack featuring Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, and Raphinha.

The England forward showed “potential” in the opening 45 minutes, according to Flick, but was substituted at half-time with Barcelona trailing 2–0 after goals from Ivan Romero and Jose Luis Morales put Levante ahead.

“Marcus had a few chances and showed he can help us,” Flick said afterwards. “But in the second half we needed changes. Moving Raphinha wide made a difference. The first goal after the break changed the game.”

Barcelona responded strongly after the restart. Quick strikes from Pedri and Ferran Torres levelled the score within seven minutes, before a late Unai Elgezabal own goal secured a 3–2 comeback win.

Media reaction in Spain

• Marca was highly critical of Flick’s starting approach, describing the first half as “a complete mess.” The outlet argued that Ferran Torres’ deployment at centre forward, while Rashford operated elsewhere, disrupted Barcelona’s balance. Raphinha’s unfamiliar role in central midfield also drew criticism.
• Mundo Deportivo took a softer view, noting Rashford’s energy early on but observing that his influence waned as the half progressed.

Spanish outlet AS echoed earlier assessments of Marcus Rashford’s debut, describing him as “the most disruptive” and dangerous player early on, but noted that his influence diminished as the half wore on. Crucially, they added that he “wasn’t to blame” for Barcelona’s poor first-half display.

Rashford’s New Nickname

Speaking with SPORT, Rashford reflected on his first weeks at Barcelona and the challenges of adapting after leaving Manchester United. The 27-year-old revealed that his new teammates have already given him a light-hearted nickname.

“When they joke around, they call me ‘sweetie’ [‘chuche’]. I don’t really know what it means, but it’s funny when they say it,” Rashford explained.

He added that his teammates appreciate his efforts to pick up the language. “I’m trying to learn Spanish as quickly as possible. It’s important for me and it keeps me motivated. You’re always learning something new.”

Rashford also admitted Catalan has proven more difficult than Spanish, though he sees it as part of embracing the local culture.

“Catalan is tough. But while I’m here, I’ll learn some, because I want to understand more about Catalonia and its culture,” he said.