Champion’s League Round Up: Rashford Shines, Haaland Hits 50, And Frankfurt Run Riot In Champions League Thriller

Rashford Makes Barcelona History At St. James’ Park

Source: Barcelona on X

Barcelona’s Champions League opener was all about Marcus Rashford. The Manchester United loanee announced himself to the Catalonian fans with two stunning goals that sealed a 2-1 win against Newcastle at an electric St. James’ Park.

Rashford’s brace was not just decisive, it was historic. He became the first Englishman since 1989 to score for Barcelona in Europe, lighting up the night with a bullet header and a swerving strike that clipped in off the bar. Newcastle fans will feel gutted, as Eddie Howe’s men created the better chances but failed to convert.

On social media, fans were quick to hail Rashford’s revival. “He looks reborn in Barca colours,” one fan posted on X. Others joked that United had loaned out their best finisher at the worst possible time. For Rashford, though, it’s about confidence: “I’m learning, improving, and motivated. It’s an amazing experience,” he told TNT Sports.

Fans were delighted so see him back in form after a difficult few years and harsh critism by the media and his coach.

Haaland’s 50th Seals City Win Over Napoli

Source: Premier League on X

At the Etihad, Manchester City brushed aside Napoli 2-0 in a game defined by one early moment. Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo saw red for a last-man challenge on Haaland after a VAR review, leaving Antonio Conte’s side battling uphill with 10 men.

Haaland, naturally, wrote his name into the record books with his 50th Champions League goal. His tidy finish off a Phil Foden chip was followed by Jeremy Doku’s solo effort to kill the contest.

The night was also emotional for Kevin de Bruyne, who returned to Manchester in Napoli colours. City fans held up “King Kev” banners, but his reunion was cut short when Conte sacrificed him after the red card to reshuffle his team.

Frankfurt Humble Galatasaray

Source: Champions League on X

Over in Germany, Eintracht Frankfurt tore into Galatasaray with a ruthless 5-1 victory that stunned the Turkish champions. After Yunus Akgun gave Galatasaray an early lead, Frankfurt hit back with five unanswered goals, including a double from Jonathan Burkardt.

The home crowd roared as 19-year-old Can Uzun smashed home his first Champions League strike, while Ritsu Doan and Ansgar Knauff joined the party. For Galatasaray, Ilkay Gundogan’s return to the competition in Turkish colours was soured by a heavy defeat.

“Once we equalised, the momentum was all ours,” said Frankfurt boss Dino Toppmöller. Turkish fans, meanwhile, vented online about defensive lapses that turned promise into embarrassment.

Leverkusen Rescue A Point In Copenhagen

Source: Champions League on X

Bayer Leverkusen showed grit in Denmark, coming from behind twice to grab a dramatic 2-2 draw at Parken. Alejandro Grimaldo stole the headlines with yet another free-kick masterclass, bending the ball in off the bar with just minutes to play.

Copenhagen thought they had sealed it through Robert’s late header, but stoppage time brought heartbreak when a Claudio Echeverri cross forced an own goal.

“World-class, pure world-class,” Bayer coach Kasper Hjulmand said of Grimaldo’s strike. Copenhagen’s coach admitted his side had been warned: “You don’t give Grimaldo three free kicks. He’ll score eventually.”

A Night To Remember

From Rashford rewriting history at St. James’ Park, to Haaland’s milestone, to Frankfurt’s five-goal demolition job, it was a Champions League night packed with stories. And if matchday one set the tone, football fans around the globe are in for another memorable season.

{Source: SABC Sport}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com