Rashford Becomes First Englishman Since Lineker to Play for Barça in La Liga Win

Marcus Rashford made his first competitive appearance for Barcelona as the champions opened their La Liga defence with a dramatic and controversial win over nine-man Mallorca, Sport360NG reports.

Raphinha put Barça ahead in the first half, heading home after a superb cross from 16-year-old Lamine Yamal. Ferran Torres doubled the lead, firing into the net while Mallorca captain Antonio Raíllo was down inside the penalty area receiving treatment for a head injury after blocking a Yamal effort, a moment that left the home side furious.

Tempers flared soon after as Manu Morlanes, already booked for protesting the incident, picked up a second yellow card for a late challenge on Yamal. Mallorca’s problems worsened when striker Vedat Muriqi was dismissed following a VAR review, his high boot catching debutant goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

Despite their numerical advantage, Barcelona needed until stoppage time to add a third, with Yamal drilling in a late strike to seal victory.

Rashford entered the action in the 69th minute, becoming the first Englishman to feature for Barcelona in a competitive fixture since Gary Lineker in 1989. The 27-year-old, who has joined on a season-long loan from Manchester United, was deployed through the middle but had little opportunity to make an impact.

Both Rashford and summer signing Garcia were only cleared to play earlier in the day after Barcelona resolved registration issues linked to ongoing financial restrictions.