For many years lionel messiThe shadow of Barcelona loomed large, extending far beyond the goals and the trophy. After a Champions League night filled with noise, tension and celebration, the shadows are finally beginning to lift. marcus rashfordComing on late from the bench, he did what neither Lamine Yamal nor Robert Lewandowski could do for the club in Europe – and in doing so, etched his name into the piece of history that has quietly plagued Barcelona since 2019.
The English forward’s contribution was not only decisive, but also symbolic. While Yamal showed his creativity and Lewandowski produced his usual clinical finishing, it was Rashford who produced the final moment – a sign that Barcelona may finally break free of Messi’s long-lasting aura.
balsaThe final stage of the Champions League against Copenhagen unfolded like a slow-burning drama. After a tense first half, the team moved forward in the second period. goal from Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamaland Rafinha The game turned before Rashford was brought on with less than 20 minutes remaining.
in 85 minutesthe England national team scored the winning goal. 4-1 victorysecuring their place in the Round of 16 and adding to the celebrations at Camp Nou. But this goal was more than just a record on the scoresheet. It was much bigger.
A historic feat finally revealed
And this is the historic feat that Rashford helped achieve.: Barcelona finally scored their first direct free-kick in the Champions League after Lionel Messi’s departure in 2021. The last time it happened was May 1, 2019When the Argentine superstar defeated Liverpool in the semi-final with a stunning set-piece. more Over 5 years and over 2,000 days No other Barcelona player would repeat that feat until Rashford stepped up.
The Englishman curled the ball over the wall and towards the near post, hitting the wrong foot with goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski expecting a shot into the far corner. The execution was perfect and its significance was immeasurable, and the Spanish media were unanimous in its assessment. Marca, Diario AS, Mundo Deportivoand sports Both emphasized the symbolic nature of the strike.
“Rashford has succeeded in breaking the curse of direct free-kick goals since Messi left.” Diario AS I called it and wrote it “Things that seemed impossible in Barcelona.” moreover, Mundo Deportivo I explained my goal as follows: “wonderful” While paying attention to that The brilliance of Lamine Yamal Still, he carried much of the team’s offensive weight. But it was the Manchester United loanee who provided the historic punctuation mark.
a curse that won’t go away
Blaugrana supporters have been used to seeing free kicks go wide, hit the wall or go over the bar for years. Since Messi left, direct free kicks have become a recurring frustration and a reminder of what was lost.
Before Rashford’s strike Barcelona reportedly took more than 50 direct free kicks in the Champions League but never scored.. Across all competitions, the numbers improved little. The club was doing well Total of 3 goals from free kicksthe latest one was announced by Ferran Torres in September 2023. But in Europe the drought was absolute.