Rashford faces mixed media judgment after Barca rout

Spanish outlets debate Rashford’s role after he started as a striker in Barcelona’s 5-0 Gamper Trophy win, with varied verdicts on his contribution.

Rashford faces mixed media judgment after Barca rout

Barcelona beat Como 5-0 at Camp Nou in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Sunday night. Rashford started as a central striker in the absence of Lewandowski, joining Lamine Yamal and Raphinha. The hosts led 4-0 at halftime, with Fermin Lopez netting twice. Rashford did not score but provided the assist for Raphinha’s third goal. He was substituted at the break for Ferran Torres, who helped Yamal score Barca’s fifth.

Before the match, Lewandowski’s hamstring issue was reported as keeping him out until after the international break, leaving Rashford to lead the frontline for now. Barca head into La Liga games against Mallorca, Levante and Rayo Vallecano with Rashford potentially starting again as the focal point of attack. Spanish outlets then offered a spectrum of views on his performance. Mundo Deportivo suggested Rashford is not a natural number nine after his close-range miss. AS called his 45 minutes a strange performance with notable errors in his link play. COPE highlighted his pace and runs, suggesting the miss could be blamed on overconfidence, while Marca labeled the miss a minor sin in a friendly.

Friendlies often shape early judgments more than they should, and Rashford’s outing shows how critics quickly test a player in a different role. Barca face a practical dilemma: keep Rashford at center forward while Lewandowski recovers, or recalibrate the attack if the striker’s form steadies. The wider media response reveals a divided narrative about identity and expectation at the club, a reminder that a single half can spark a longer debate about tactics, form and confidence. What matters is how the team adapts in meaningful games, not how headlines react to a cameo in a pre season showcase.

Highlights

What happens next will test whether Rashford is seen as a stopgap or a long term fit for Barca.