Rashford assists, Barcelona loses 1-2 to Real Madrid
Rashford shone in his first El Clasico for Barcelona with an assist for Fermin Lopez, taking his tally to 10 this season. Real Madrid won 2-1 with Bellingham deciding the score late in the first half; Pedri was sent off late in the game.
Barcelona lost 1-2 to Real Madrid in El Clasico, but Marcus Rashford left a strong mark: assisting Fermin Lopez to equalize and creating the most chances of the match (4). Jude Bellingham's goal at the end of the first half decided the result. The match ended in tension with Pedri being sent off.
The key moment of El Clasico
Real Madrid opened the scoring through Kylian Mbappe. Shortly after, Rashford – playing on the left wing in Hansi Flick’s system – calmly handled the ball and set up Fermin Lopez to equalise for Barcelona. Before the break, Bellingham scored to make it 2-1 for the home team, ending Barca’s comeback.
Key developments: Rashford is a constant threat
On loan from Manchester United, Rashford made his El Clasico debut as a left winger and quickly showed his worth. He created the most chances on the pitch (4), constantly keeping Real Madrid's defense on alert. However, Barcelona could not convert this advantage into more goals. At the end of the match, Pedri received a red card, making the atmosphere on the pitch even more heated when players from both sides clashed.
Role analysis: Rashford's left wing under Hansi Flick
Being deployed on the left flank allowed Rashford to be directly involved in creating chances – as evidenced by the assist for Fermin Lopez. His mature handling in the decisive moment showed the English striker's ability to choose the right option. With this pass, Rashford took his total assists for Barcelona to 7, and reached the milestone of 10 goal involvements this season – the highest for the Catalan club according to Statman Dave.
Important statistics
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Score | Real Madrid 2-1 Barcelona |
| Real Madrid goalscorer | Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham |
| Barcelona goalscorer | Fermin Lopez |
| Construction | Marcus Rashford (for Fermin Lopez) |
| Rashford's chances created (this match) | 4 |
| Rashford's assists for Barcelona (this season) | 7 |
| Rashford's mark (this season) | 10 (most in Barcelona, according to Statman Dave) |
| Red card | Pedri (Barcelona) |
Impact and prospects
Regardless of the result, Rashford’s performance was a positive sign for Barcelona. His assist in the first El Clasico confirmed that he is a bright spot in the creative department, leading the team in total goal involvements this season. With what he has shown, the striker has the basis to continue to be a reliable attacking option for Hansi Flick.
For Real Madrid, Bellingham’s goal just before half-time ensured they maintained their advantage for the rest of the game. The disciplinary highlight in the final minutes – with Pedri sent off – highlighted the tense situation in a Clasico where every little detail can change the outcome.
