Spanish Media React to Marcus Rashford's Latest Barcelona Performance

Spain’s most popular media publications were quick to offer their take on Marcus Rashford’s performance for Barcelona against Elche.

Barcelona jumped to second with a 3-1 victory over the La Liga minnows on Sunday evening, with early strikes from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres putting Hansi Flick’s side 2-0 up in 12 minutes before Rafa Mir hit back for the away side three minutes before half time.

But Barca did not take long to regain their two-goal lead as Rashford smashed home on 61 minutes, registering his sixth goal for the Catalan outfit since completing a season-long loan move from Manchester United in the summer transfer window.

The Englishman has cut a confident figure in front of goal while also linking well with his new teammates, for whom he has provided seven assists in 14 appearances.

Despite providing a Man of the Match-worthy performance against Elche, head coach Flick still suggested that the 28-year-old can score more goals while maintaining that he is “very happy” with the Englishman's contribution to the side.

And it appears that Rashford agrees with his manager’s take, as he too claimed that he “could have had more assists or goals” before stressing that his “decision making” in relation to shooting or passing was “wrong”.

Speaking to Mundo Deportivo after the match, Rashford claimed: "I try to give my best. I could have done better against Elche, and I promise to improve, but I'm generally happy with my performance.”

Barca remain five points behind Real Madrid in La Liga after 11 matches.

So, what did Spain’s media outlets make of Rashford’s latest showing for Barca?

Mundo wrote: “Having secured a starting spot while awaiting further significant returns, the Englishman helped launch the counter-attack against Elche's daring tactical plan. He was quite involved, experiencing both good and bad moments, until he sealed the victory with a stunning goal that showcased his best qualities.”

While AS added: “He scored a spectacular goal after a pinpoint pass of almost twenty meters from Fermín.

“If he converted every chance he created, he'd be averaging a hat trick per game. He just can't seem to finish in the final third, squandering opportunity after opportunity.”

As Sempre Barca, who gave Rashford an 8/10 rating, stated: “Did well all game to trouble the Elche defence, and ended up grabbing a great goal as well. Solid display from the English winger for Barcelona.”

MARCA wrote: “He put on a display of effort and attacking ambition. He constantly hovered around Iñaki Peña 's area, searching for a goal. He even looked somewhat frustrated at not being able to score.

“But he didn't give up. He had six shots, and finally, in the 61st minute, he managed to beat the Alicante-born goalkeeper. It was Barça's third goal, and the one that brought calm to the scoreboard (3-1) and to the team. He celebrated almost with passion.”

Barcelona return to action away at Club Brugge in the Champions League on Wednesday before a trip to Celta Vigo on Sunday.