Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford secured his first piece of silverware with Barcelona on Sunday, but his brief cameo in a dramatic Spanish Super Cup final has sparked debate over his future role at the Catalan club.
A Triumph Overshadowed by a Miss
Barcelona clinched the trophy with a thrilling 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Real Madrid in Jeddah. While ex-Leeds winger Raphinha was the hero with a decisive brace, Rashford's contribution was limited to the final minutes. Introduced in the 83rd minute for the match-winner, the English forward squandered a golden chance to seal the game in stoppage time, firing wide when one-on-one with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
Spanish Media's Verdict on Rashford's Night
The reaction from Spain's press was unified in its focus on that missed opportunity. Marca noted bluntly that Rashford "had a clear chance in stoppage time but sent the ball wide." Mundo Deportivo offered a more damning critique, stating he "missed a golden opportunity" and subsequently lost defensive focus, almost allowing Madrid an equaliser. AS similarly highlighted the moment, calling his miss "inexplicable." Only Sport struck a slightly more positive note, praising his late runs for offering the team some respite.
The Raphinha Factor: A Major Obstacle for Rashford
The unanimous praise, however, was reserved for Raphinha. The Brazilian's two-goal performance, following four goals in the semi-final, led outlets to hail him as the tournament's decisive figure. Mundo Deportivo went as far as suggesting he might be "the player in the best form in the world right now," while Sport argued his display was "worthy of a Ballon d'Or." This creates a significant problem for Rashford, who is vying for the same left-wing position under manager Hansi Flick. Raphinha's established status as the team's offensive leader, emphasised during a period where Barcelona struggled in his absence through injury, suggests Rashford's quest for regular minutes faces a formidable challenge.
The 3-2 win on 12 January 2026 delivered Rashford's first trophy since his loan move from Old Trafford, but the narrative of his night was defined by a late error and the soaring stock of his direct competitor. With Raphinha in such scintillating form, Rashford's path to a starting berth at the Camp Nou appears increasingly difficult.
