Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has complained about his side's defending for Barcelona's first goal in their 2-1 Champions League defeat at St James' Park on Thursday night.
The Toon went into the clash hoping to make a winning start to their European campaign but, instead, found themselves victim to a Marcus Rashford masterclass.
The England international's stock has fallen considerably over the past two years but, in the absence of Lamine Yamal, was deployed out wide on his return to his homeland.
Rashford proceeded to net a brilliant brace for Barcelona, with Anthony Gordon's late goal for Newcastle ultimately in vain.
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Howe, speaking after the game, has admitted he's disappointed by his side's failure to get anything from the contest.
And the Newcastle boss was particularly unimpressed by his team's defending for Rashford's opener, with the Manchester United loanee capitalising to break the deadlock.
“Disappointing. We were really in the game," he said when asked for his verdict on the match.
"I never felt we were out of it. I’m disappointed we didn’t score the first goal. That was crucial.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has complained about his side's defending for Barcelona's first goal in their 2-1 Champions League defeat at St James' Park on Thursday night
|GETTY
“We had the chances to do it. It was a whole-hearted gutsy display but maybe lacking the quality to get us the win.
“It was a good performance but not a great one and to beat Barcelona it has to be a great one. We had two great chances but the first goal was important.”
“We tried to make it difficult for Barcelona to settle into the game and wanted to win the ball high up when they played out from the back. So I was pretty pleased with that.
“But the first goal is a big moment. We don’t stop the cross and then we don’t mark well enough in the box, and concede.
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“Then when you are chasing the game against them it becomes very difficult, as they exploit gaps that maybe you wouldn’t have left previously.”
Howe, when quizzed on Rashford's brace, continued: “I think we could have defended better against them, especially the first goal.
“The second goal was an incredible finish, but we’re disappointed with how the ball reached him.
“I don’t think the hype [before the game] was a negative. It was always going to be an exciting one for our supporters and the effort and endeavour was there from the lads.
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Marcus Rashford broke the deadlock for Barcelona against Newcastle on Thursday night
|PA
“We could have done better but ultimately we will analyse it and try to improve.”
Newcastle have endured a mixed start to the new season.
And their defeat to Barcelona will put more pressure on Howe, with his players continuing to adapt to life without star striker Alexander Isak.
Hansi Flick, meanwhile, was pleased with the Barcelona boss hailing Rashford for his heroics on Tyneside.
He said: "For me, it was the first step. He has to make the next step.
"This match, these goals here in England against Newcastle, for Barcelona in the first Champions League match this season, it's great.
"It gives him confidence in himself. This is the most important thing."
"I am not surprised [by his goals]. "I think he's a fantastic player. His skills are unbelievable and his finishing is unbelievable.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has hailed Marcus Rashford following his Champions League heroics against Newcastle
|PA
"I think also in the first half, he tried to create chances, but the finishing wasn't there. In the second half it was.
"For a striker, it's always good to score. I am really happy. He is an important player. When we spoke before the season about what we needed in the team, we felt we needed a player like him.
"When we had this chance [to sign him], I said we have to do it. He's an outstanding player."