Spanish media single out Marcus Rashford as Barcelona lose to Real Madrid in El Clasico

Marcus Rashford had a big role to play in one of the biggest fixtures of the football calendar as Spanish media ran the rule over Barcelona's defeat in El Clasico

Marcus Rashford's first taste of El Clasico didn't come off as hoped following Barcelona's defeat at Real Madrid. Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe's goals secured a 2-1 win for Los Blancos on Sunday to open up a five-point gap at the head of La Liga.

A second defeat in three league outings has left Barca adrift in second place. However, it wasn't all bad news for Manchester United loanee Rashford, who started the game and had a key hand setting up the visitors' only goal.

It was Rashford's cute run down the left side of Real's box and cut-back that teed up Fermin Lopez to equalise in the 38th minute. That was where the England international produced his best work before being moved up front following Ferran Torres' withdrawal.

Despite the disappointing result, Rashford was praised by sections of the Spanish media in light of his contribution. And his first experience in one of the biggest football fixtures on the planet could have been a whole lot worse in hindsight.

"The Englishman had a good performance in his first Clasico," read Rashford's match performance review in AS. "He set up Fermin to equalize and worked hard in the pressing."

Barcelona came into Sunday's matchup missing a raft of key men. Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Gavi and Dani Olmo were each absent from the attack and midfield alone.

Nonetheless, Sport gave an encouraging preview of Rashford's prospects ahead of his first Clasico. And the Catalan newspaper celebrated his stay thus far, saying the Red Devils outcast is "living the dream" since moving the Camp Nou on a season-long stay.

"So much so that in the most-watched match on the planet, in the sporting event that generates the most passion and impact, he'll be a starter," read the report. "Rashford will have a starring role in a true Clasico. When the ball is kicked off, he’ll be one of the surprise guests at the table for LaLiga’s most important match.

"Predictably, with Ferran back in the starting lineup, he’ll play on the left wing. A golden opportunity for the British icon to continue showing the world that he’s back and on the right path."

Mundo Deportivo was less complimentary of his performance and called the display "baffling." The recap of his contribution read: "His smart assist to Fermin...didn't fix a match in which he seemed capable of creating more danger than he did when he received the ball. He didn't make the most of his power when he had space. As a No. 9, he was worse than as a winger."

Portions of that comment could be seen as confusing considering Rashford's input was still more than most of his team. However, Ruben Amorim will surely be one looking on the plus side after suggesting he's happy Rashford's enjoying his football last week.

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