Barcelona started the champions league with a 2-1 win at St James Park. Marcus Rashford scored both goals, and Joan Garcia delivered a calm, strong debut in goal.
Joan Garcia called his first champions league game “very exciting” and said he felt “great joy with the victory.” He explained that Newcastle’s early press made the opening minutes tough, then Barça settled. He also noted that the role at Barça asks him to be more active with his feet and to sweep behind the line, which fits his game.
Garcia saved five of six shots on target, with a key stop on Harvey Barnes in the 24th minute when the score was 0-0. He led the team with 16 recoveries, showing strong positioning and quick reactions in transitions.
Rashford put Barça ahead with a header, then added a second with a strike off the bar. Newcastle pulled one back late, but Barça held the lead. Rashford was named MVP after the match.
After the game, Rashford said he hopes to keep scoring more goals. He added that he is enjoying the group, adjusting to a new city and culture, and getting more comfortable with Hansi Flick’s plan.
