MARCUS RASHFORD escaped the wrath of Barcelona fans after the club suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Sevilla.
The on-loan Red Devils attacker, who Barca have an option to buy permanently for £26million, netted the Blaugrana’s only goal in the humbling defeat.
Hansi Flick’s defending La Liga champions found themselves 2-0 down as they approached half-time at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on Sunday.
However, as they tried to press Sevilla into errors, Pedri won the ball back high up the pitch.
The Spaniard then looked over to the far post to see Rashford, making his tenth overall appearance since the loan transfer from Old Trafford, making a run into the left side of the box unmarked.
Pedri duly lifted a cross into the path of the England international.
Rashford then met the cross with a first-time volley on the side of his left boot which crashed into the back of the net for his first La Liga goal.
The 27-year-old’s goal halved the deficit and gave Barca a path back into the game as they sought to avoid a first league defeat of the season.
Rashford was then instrumental in playing a pass behind the Sevilla defence for Alejandro Balde which saw him win a penalty after he was brought down in the area.
However, the usually reliable Robert Lewandowski missed his mark from 12 yards and flashed wide to the left of the goalposts.
But there were also two occasions when Rashford was free to be played in for a clear chance at goal, first by Dani Olmo in the first half and then Roony Bardhji 10 minutes from the end.
And as Barca threw the kitchen sink at Sevilla in a desperate attempt to equalise, they were caught napping at the back as José Ángel Carmona and Akor Adams netted in the dying stages of the match.
Reacting on social media, fans savaged the Barcelona players over the result, although Rashford was spared of any blame and instead received praise for his display.
One fan said: “Marcus Rashford was completely free but Dani Olmo decides to shoot, that was such dumb decision making.”
A second said: “Roony passes it to Rashford and Barca don’t lose this.”
A third added: “Rashford is our only attacker I haven’t been completely and utterly infuriated by. What a letdown from literally everyone else.”
Another said: “Rashford is sensational by the way.”
Rashford’s goal against Sevilla now puts him on nine goal contributions this season – including a goal or assist in each of his last eight games for club and country.
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