Marcus Rashford created one of the most memorable moments of Barcelona’s Champions League campaign with an outstanding free kick in the 4-1 victory over Copenhagen.
The England international scored a goal that was not only spectacular to see but also historically crucial for the team on a night when Barça secured their spot in the round of 16.
Rashford confidently took the stage and gave a flawless performance. The goalkeeper was expecting a shot towards the far corner, but he absolutely fooled him by bending the ball over the wall and aiming for the near post.
The goal undoubtedly completed Rashford’s outstanding Champions League group stage.
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He had five goals at the end of the league phase, including braces against Olympiacos and Newcastle United.
Rashford is currently just one goal away from scoring ten goals in all competitions this season.
Barcelona’s Historic Goal
Beyond the individual tally, Barcelona placed a great deal of importance on the free kick.
This is due to the fact that, before Rashford’s effort, it had taken Barça at least 50 free-kick efforts to find the net.
The Catalan giants have had serious challenges with direct free-kicks since Lionel Messi left.
Before Rashford’s goal, the team had actually only scored three goals in all competitions from similar situation.
Ferran Torres made the most recent one against Real Betis on September 16, 2023.
According to Barca Universal, Barcelona have not scored a direct free-kick goal in the Champions League since May 1, 2019, when Messi scored against Liverpool in the semifinals, making the drought even more concerning.
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