Hansi Flick’s side loses top spot in La Liga as Marcus Rashford’s knee injury sparks fears of a season ending “empty-handed.”
The “Marcus Rashford effect” at Barcelona has been proven in the worst possible way: through his absence. After a disastrous week that saw the Catalan giants dumped out of the Copa del Rey and knocked off the top of La Liga, the Spanish media has been brutal in its assessment of Hansi Flick’s side.
Rashford, who is on a high-profile loan from Manchester United, was sidelined with a knee injury for the 2-1 defeat to local rivals Girona. Without the Englishman’s pace and clinical edge, Barca’s momentum has completely evaporated.
“Everything Fell Apart”
The reaction from the Spanish press has been unforgiving. MARCA declared a “full-blown crisis that could leave them empty-handed,” while SPORT described the second half against Girona as “pure chaos.”
While Pau Cubarsi gave Barca a temporary lead, the lack of pressure from the frontline an area where Rashford has excelled this season allowed Girona to fight back. Legendary commentator Manolo Lama slammed Flick’s tactics, claiming the German manager “went mad” by deploying a “4-1-5 formation” that left the defense totally exposed.
The Fight for a Permanent Move
For Rashford, the timing of this injury is “disastrous.” He had been enjoying his best form in Spain, desperate to convince the Barcelona hierarchy to trigger a permanent transfer from Old Trafford this summer.
Barcelona’s Form Without Rashford:
| Match | Opponent | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlético Madrid | Away | 0-4 Loss | Copa del Rey |
| Girona | Away | 1-2 Loss | La Liga |
| League Position | – | 2nd | Down from 1st |
Raphinha’s Return: A New Threat?
While Rashford watched from the stands, his rival for a starting spot, Raphinha, returned to action. Despite being withdrawn on the hour mark, Barca Universal praised the Brazilian’s “high throttle” performance.
Football Espana noted that it was “no coincidence” Barca collapsed the moment Raphinha left the pitch. If Rashford doesn’t return for Sunday’s clash against Levante, he may find himself fighting to regain his place in a team that is suddenly under immense pressure.
Thiago Nuno is a football editor and analyst covering European leagues, match statistics, and transfer market trends.
