'Marathon not a sprint' - Marcus Rashford fires defiant message after suffering defeat with Barcelona against Real Madrid in his first Clasico

Rashford experienced his first taste of El Clasico drama as Barcelona fell 2-1 to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday. Goals from Mbappe and Bellingham proved decisive, with the Englishman’s team-mate Fermin Lopez briefly restoring parity after Rashford’s clever assist. Despite flashes of creativity, Rashford’s performance drew mixed reviews, as Barcelona’s depleted side struggled to match Madrid’s attacking precision.

Reflecting on the defeat, Rashford took to Instagram with a message of resilience, writing: “Clearly, not the result that we wanted yesterday. It's a marathon, not a sprint, and we will keep fighting!” The post underlined the 26-year-old’s determination to stay positive after a tough introduction to Spain’s fiercest rivalry.

The defeat means Barca have now lost two of their last three La Liga matches, a run that has raised questions about their consistency under Hansi Flick. Rashford’s first Clasico ended in frustration, but his intent to keep fighting suggests a player motivated to turn things around in the coming weeks.

Real Madrid’s victory not only snapped a four-game losing streak against Barcelona but also extended their advantage in La Liga title's race. Xabi Alonso’s side now sit five points clear at the summit with 27 points from 10 matches, reaffirming their title credentials after a humbling 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid earlier in the season. The Santiago Bernabeu was electric once again as Mbappe and Bellingham delivered decisive moments that defined the evening.

For Barcelona, the result was a blow in more ways than one. Pedri’s late red card compounded an already difficult night, while injuries to Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Dani Olmo left Hansi Flick’s team severely weakened.

Yet amid the disappointment, there were glimpses of hope, none more so than Rashford’s involvement in the equaliser and his continued work rate despite limited service. The English forward showed flashes of his pace and movement, offering signs that he could evolve into a key attacking presence for the Catalan giants.

The defeat to Real Madrid followed a hectic week for Rashford, who had been instrumental in Barcelona’s midweek Champions League victory over Olympiacos, scoring twice to seal a crucial win. His recent form suggests he is beginning to find rhythm and confidence after an inconsistent start to life in La Liga. Rashford’s willingness to shoulder responsibility in big games has not gone unnoticed, even as scrutiny around his performances intensifies.

Spanish media offered contrasting assessments of his Clasico debut. Mundo Deportivo praised his assist but called his overall display “baffling,” suggesting he failed to fully utilise his physical strength or decision-making when space opened up. The publication noted that he looked “more comfortable as a winger than as a No. 9,” highlighting the positional dilemma Flick will have to resolve going forward.

Barcelona will aim to regroup quickly as they return to domestic action next weekend against Elche, with a home fixture offering a chance to bounce back. The club’s medical staff are working to accelerate the returns of key players like Lewandowski and Raphinha, while Flick will be back on the sidelines following his suspension.

For Rashford, the next few weeks represent an opportunity to build momentum and further integrate into Barcelona’s system. His assist against Madrid and goals in Europe point to a player growing in influence and confidence, and the club will hope he can become a reliable attacking outlet for now and the future, if the Catalan side decide to sign him permanently next summer.