Barcelona captain heaps praise on new signing after win vs Newcastle – ‘He’s incredible’

FC Barcelona got their UEFA Champions League campaign up and running with a 2-1 victory against Newcastle United on Thursday night.

A second-half brace from new signing Marcus Rashford secured an important victory for Hansi Flick & co. at St. James’ Park.

The Englishman, on loan from Manchester United, opened the scoring with a thumping header before doubling his team’s lead with a thunderous strike from outside the box.

Newcastle threatened a comeback with a late goal from Anthony Gordon, but Barça held on for the win.

Ronald Araujo delighted with Rashford

Speaking to the media after the game, Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo, who started the game, was full of praise for Rashford and his performance.

“He’s incredible. He does the same thing in training. It’s spectacular to have him with us and hopefully he can keep doing it for a long time,” the defender said, as quoted by SPORT.

The Uruguayan centre-back reflected on the match, during which he managed to keep things in check for the most part despite the hosts threatening at times.

The MVP for Barcelona. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

“We knew it was going to be a very difficult, physical game. It got complicated at 2-1, but the team wanted it, played well, had possession and ran hard. It was very important to start the Champions League like this,” he said.

Further discussing Barcelona’s performance, Araujo highlighted the preparation work that had gone into the game, noting:

”We analysed Newcastle a lot and knew that the first 15 minutes were going to be very tough. This field is always difficult, but we’re leaving satisfied.”

Araujo also clarified his physical condition, after being seen several times touching the back of his thigh.

“I was tired and cramped, asking how much time was left, but the effort is tremendous. It’s just a cramp, nothing more,“ the Barcelona captain confirmed.

Araujo also provided an update on the condition of his defensive partner, Pau Cubarsi, who was substituted with discomfort.

“I think he had a knee problem, we’ll have to see,” he concluded.