'Supporting actor' replaces Yamal to do something that makes coach Hansi Flick excited, Barca wins against Newcastle

On the day Yamal was absent, Rashford scored two goals in the second half, helping Barca win 2-1 at Newcastle in the first round of the 2025-2026 Champions League.

Rashford replaced Yamal, shining in the second half, making coach Hansi Flick celebrate excitedly.

Expected to shine in the match against Newcastle, Yamal was not on the list of players flying to England on September 17. According to the report of the Barca team doctor, the test results showed that Yamal's groin injury did not recover as well as expected and coach Hansi Flick decided to let the 18-year-old star stay at home.

Yamal's absence greatly affected Barca's attacking ability. Although rated higher than Newcastle, Barca was stale throughout the first half, only having 1 shot on target. Rashford - the player used by coach Hansi Flick, replaced Yamal's position and played poorly. The English player even made coach Hansi Flick angry because he used his technique many times but it was ineffective.

Barca's attack was not good, and their defense showed many weaknesses. In the first minutes of the match, Barca's goal was always on alert every time Newcastle counterattacked quickly. It was only with great luck that the Catalan team ended the match with a 0-0 draw.

Rashford (14) was given a chance to replace Yamal but played poorly, making coach Hansi Flick angry in the first half.

PHOTO: REUTERS

In the second half, Barca started to attack more clearly. While the Barca coaching staff was about to change the strikers, Rashford made coach Hansi Flick change his mind when he suddenly entered the penalty area in the 58th minute, heading the ball to help Barca lead 1-0. Not stopping there, in the 67th minute, Rashford continued to score a super long-range shot from a distance of about 25 meters, doubling the gap for the away team. Notably, since moving to Barca on loan from MU in the summer of 2025, this is the first time Rashford has scored 2 goals, making coach Hansi Flick extremely satisfied and excited to celebrate.

On the other side, Newcastle only attacked in the final minutes, making Barca fans scream. However, all Eddie Howe and his team could do in this match was to reduce the score to 1-2 thanks to Gordon in the 90th minute.

Winning 3 points at Newcastle, Barca ranked 12th in the overall rankings. In the second match, taking place on October 2, Barca is predicted to face many difficulties when facing the Champions League champion, PSG.

Rashford helped Barca get 3 points with a double in the second half

PHOTO: REUTERS

Man City got 3 easy points

At the Etihad Stadium (England), Man City met the reigning Italian champions Napoli. This was a match that received a lot of attention, especially when Man City had to face "old man" Kevin De Bruyne. In addition, Rasmus Højlund, Scott McTominay - players who had spent many years in Manchester also took the field.

With superior strength, Man City almost suffocated Napoli in both halves. Coach Pep Guardiola's team dominated the ball and launched 30 shots - 10 times what Napoli did in this match. In the 56th and 65th minutes, Haaland and Jeremy Doku scored, helping Man City win 2-0.

Man City also easily won 3 points on the opening day.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Winning all 3 points at home, Man City temporarily ranked 9th on the 2025 - 2026 Champions League overall rankings after the first round. In the second match, Man City will travel to France to meet AS Monaco.

Results of the remaining matches taking place in the early morning of September 19: Eintracht Frankfurt 5-1 Galatasaray, Copenaghen 2-2 Bayer Leverkusen, Sporting Lisbon 4-1 Kairat, Club Brugge 4-1 AS Monaco.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/kep-phu-thay-yamal-lam-dieu-khien-hlv-hansi-flick-phan-khich-barca-thang-hu-via-newcastle-185250919040714308.htm