Marcus Rashford scored a stunning free-kick, leading Barcelona to a 2-0 victory over Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday night. This win secured the LaLiga title for the 2025/26 season with three games to spare.
The Manchester United loanee opened the scoring within nine minutes, and Ferran Torres added a second goal before the half-hour mark, marking Barça’s 29th league championship and the first ever clinched directly in a Clásico.
For Rashford, this moment was particularly special, as his goal came in front of a 62,213-strong crowd at Camp Nou, while coach Hansi Flick donned a black armband in memory of his father, who passed away that morning.
By the final whistle, Barcelona’s lead at the top of the table stretched to 14 points, mathematically ending Real Madrid’s title defense and confirming Barça as back-to-back champions of Spain.
Barcelona took the lead early when Antonio Rudiger fouled Ferran Torres at the edge of the box in the eighth minute. Rashford stepped up to take the free-kick, sending a powerful strike past Thibaut Courtois into the top corner.
Just nine minutes later, the lead was doubled as Fermin Lopez floated a cross from the left. Dani Olmo flicked a backheel into space, allowing Ferran Torres to slot the title-clincher home.
Marcus Rashford Helps Secure El Clasico Win and LaLiga Title
Rashford played on the right wing in a 4-2-3-1 formation, a choice that surprised even the Spanish press, which had reported Roony Bardghji ahead of him in Flick’s plans just a day earlier.
He successfully targeted Madrid’s makeshift left-back Fran García and pinned Trent Alexander-Arnold along the touchline.
His goal marked a historic moment, being Barcelona’s first free-kick goal against Real Madrid since Lionel Messi scored in October 2012, ending a 13-and-a-half-year wait for an English forward to achieve this feat, especially significant considering Rashford’s struggles at Manchester United just a year ago.
Rashford later revealed that he had not initially planned to shoot, intending instead to cross until encouraged by his teammates.
By the time he was taken off in the 64th minute for the returning Raphinha, Rashford had made three shots, two of which were on target, set up Fermin twice, and forced a brilliant save from Courtois during a one-on-one opportunity.
Given this performance, it is no surprise the Spanish press have praised him. Mundo Deportivo remarked, “The English striker once again staked his claim for a place at the club next season with a spectacular free-kick goal.”
They continued, “He broke the deadlock in the Clásico from a set-piece — something Barca hadn’t managed in well over a decade.”
Additionally, AS noted, “The free-kick goal he scored already justifies his signing this year. He returned to his position on the right wing, working tirelessly in defense. He had another great chance to score a brace, but Courtois denied him.”