Rashford with point to prove as Barca target Atletico comeback
Barcelona forward Marcus Rashford spurned a host of chances in the first leg against Atletico Madrid but has the chance to make amends (Lluis GENE) Marcus Rashford had his chance against Atletico Madrid, but failed to take it -- or any of the next five that came along on a frustrating European night. On Tuesday the England international has another opportunity to try and inspire Barcelona to a Champions League comeback in the Spanish capital. Rashford fired blanks as Barca suffered a 2-0 quarter-final first leg defeat, but the England international was also his team's brightest spark against the Rojiblancos, even though the killer finish eluded him.
The 28-year-old, on loan from Manchester United, has a point to prove in the second leg, particularly with his future at the club on the line -- as well as a potential World Cup spot in Thomas Tuchel's England squad. Barcelona have not yet made a decision on whether to trigger the 30 million euro ($35 million) clause in Rashford's loan deal to make his switch to Camp Nou permanent. With Raphinha out injured, Rashford has been the natural choice on Barca's left flank.
Rashford burst beyond Atletico full-back Nahuel Molina on numerous occasions at Camp Nou but could not capitalise. "This team is always going to create chances, there's so much quality in possession... today the goal didn't go in, but we can't shy away from the responsibility to take these chances," Rashford told CBS.
"On another day, on another night, they go in. " On Saturday, Flick began with Rashford on the bench for Barcelona's 4-1 thrashing of Espanyol in La Liga, likely to save the forward's energy for the visit to Atletico's Metropolitano stadium. Rashford came on after 65 minutes and netted the fourth in the last minute with a cushioned volley, which Flick hopes will raise his confidence levels.
"I'm happy Marcus scored a goal today, it was very important for us," said Flick. Rashford also scored against Atletico at the Metropolitano on April 4 in La Liga, with the second leg the third in a trilogy of clashes between the sides in under a fortnight. The Englishman has six goals in 26 La Liga appearances, with his finishing an area that could be improved.