On-loan Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford came off the bench for Barcelona to score against Real Sociedad but couldn’t prevent his side’s 2-1 defeat
Marcus Rashford found the net as Barcelona succumbed to defeat against Real Sociedad on Sunday. The Manchester United loanee was introduced just past the hour mark in the 2-1 loss.
The English ace joined the Catalan giants in the summer of 2025, having lost his place under then-United manager Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford. He made a blistering start, but in recent weeks his involvement in the team has diminished with key player Raphinha recovering from injury.
Barcelona’s Brazilian talisman was missing on Sunday when Rashford’s side faced Real Sociedad away from home, but Fermin Lopez was chosen on the left wing from the start. The hosts took the lead after 32 minutes and Barcelona were struggling to break them down despite creating excellent chances.
In the 62nd minute, Rashford was brought on by manager Hansi Flick and made an immediate impression. He nodded home a leveller less than 10 minutes later. Though Real Sociedad would exploit a defensive mistake and grab a decisive winner shortly afterwards, Rashford’s contributions were praised by the Spanish press, with one outlet discussing the 28-year-old’s future.
Marca
Barcelona controlled Real Sociedad on Sunday, registering an impressive 23 attempts compared to their opponents’ five. But despite crafting numerous opportunities, it was only Rashford who managed to breach the hosts’ goal.
READ MORE: Hansi Flick uses Marcus Rashford example as Barcelona star hands in transfer requestREAD MORE: Man Utd and Tottenham’s stance on Oliver Glasner as sack decision made
Marca were fairly restrained in their post-match assessment of Rashford and noted: “He came on in the 62nd minute. Seven minutes later, he opened the scoring with a pass from Lamine [Yamal]. He also hit the post.”
However, it was prior to kick-off that Marca opted to discuss the prospect of Rashford making his Barcelona stint permanent. They continued: “There are two players the club are already counting on and wants to secure for the future. One of them is Marcus Rashford.
“The club are satisfied with his performance and the plan is to exercise the purchase option they have in place for £26million at the end of the season.”
Rashford delivered a statement with his strike in the 2-1 defeat, demonstrating he remains a crucial player for Flick’s team and boosting the likelihood that Marca’s assertion about a summer move will materialise.
Mundo Deportivo
The Catalan giants struck the frame of the goal an incredible five times on Sunday night in a defeat that meant they lost ground in the race for the La Liga crown. Real Madrid now trail by just one point.
Mundo Deportivo, nevertheless, highlighted Rashford for his impact from the substitutes’ bench against Real Sociedad and stated: “He was the only Barcelona player to put the ball in the back of the net and make it count.
“When Rashford and [Robert] Lewandowski entered the pitch, the onslaught intensified. Playing like this, Barcelona will score goals and string together more victories.”
AS
The Barcelona dominance was also highlighted by AS, who like most other publications, were swift to focus on Rashford, who was the sole player capable of breaching the Real Sociedad defence amidst the bombardment.
“There’s a raw beauty in winning when your opponent dominates you, at least in the first half and the beginning of the second,” they penned. “Barcelona controlled the football, while Real Sociedad provided the heart and the command.
“Flick made substitutions, bringing on [Joao] Cancelo, Rashford, and Lewandowski, more in an attempt to change the game than to improve the performance. Barca finally broke down the wall thanks to another gift from Lamine Yamal, which Rashford headed home.”
Sport
Sport were equally generous in their praise of Rashford’s display and noted that he could have secured a double in second-half stoppage time had it not been for another strike of the woodwork. Such widespread acclaim also bodes well for Rashford’s potential permanent transfer.
“He kept hopes of getting points at Anoeta alive with a winning header and sent a cross against the post,” Sport reported. “He created everything he could, but it wasn’t enough.
“Misfortune left Barcelona’s 25 attempts largely barren, whilst Real Sociedad made the most of their far more limited attacking chances. The final opportunity fell to England’s Rashford, who almost sealed his double in the 93rd minute, but it failed to come to fruition.”
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
