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Key Highlights

• The Magpies manager Howe opts to bench recently signed high-priced striker Nick Woltemade as a substitute

• Marcus Rashford scores first with a fine header on 58 mins before doubling the lead with a stunning 20-yard strike into the roof of the net

• The forward, on loan from Man Utd, was given a cheering reception by Barcelona supporters when substituted

• Gordon pulls a goal back on 90 mins but Barcelona hold on

Rashford produced a brilliant Champions League bow for FC Barcelona as Newcastle's campaign started with a defeat at their home ground.

Rashford, temporarily transferred from Man Utd, became Newcastle' chief antagonist when he decided a tight match with two rapid after the break strikes.

In front of Three Lions manager Tuchel watching, the forward directed a precise header beyond Toon keeper Nick Pope from Kounde's cross after 58 minutes to subdue the typically intense St James' Park atmosphere.

He delivered an superior moment nine minutes when he fired in a stunning 20-yard drive in off the crossbar past the helpless goalkeeper. These marked his first Champions League goals in almost four seasons.

It concluded a exceptionally strong night for Rashford, who figured in the UCL during a spell at Villa last campaign, playing a full part in Barcelona's vast array of attacking players, even without brilliant unavailable youngster Lamine Yamal.

The home side's boss Eddie Howe made a tactical shock, benching new £69m signing Woltemade on the bench in preference of using Gordon in the striker position.

The winger struggled to make an impact as Barcelona' superiority became apparent the longer the match went on, with the loanee as the clinical finisher.

The forward was given a deserved round of applause from Barca's fans when he was replaced with ten minutes remaining.

The Magpies were given a lifeline of a late revival when Gordon scored a finish at the start of 7 minutes of stoppage time, but the Catalan side held out.

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Newcastle's selection raised eyebrows when the big close-season attacking signing brought in for Alexander Isak, Nick Woltemade, was left on the bench.

Woltemade had a goal-scoring debut following his transfer from VfB Stuttgart with the winner against Wolves, although he did exit with muscle issues, which may have influenced in Howe's decision.

Anthony Gordon was used as a central striker, presumably in a bid to trouble the opposition with speed, and while he scored late on, he found it hard to make a concerted impact.

Newcastle, encouraged by the typically noisy and enthusiastic Toon Army, competed well for almost an hour until the loan star made his mark, their best opportunity coming after 23 mins when Anthony Elanga set up Harvey Barnes, only for an weak attempt from the wide player.

Former Magpies icon Asprilla was present at St James' Park, bringing back recollections of his best performance in a Newcastle shirt, when he scored a three goals in a 3-2 win against Barca in the Champions League in September 1997.

There was to be no recurrence here, but this was a determined display by the team, who showed enough to give them optimism for the battles ahead in the tournament's group stage format.

The Magpies' fans acknowledged their side's efforts against a Barcelona side of such experience and quality, giving them a rousing send-off at the final whistle.

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Barcelona may have been deprived of the genius of 18-year-old forward Yamal because of a fitness issue, but Hansi Flick's side still had too much firepower for their hosts.

The loanee was the standout performer with two strikes, but other threats came from ex- Leeds star Raphinha, while there was impressive dominance in midfield from Frenkie de Jong, the Spaniard and Fermin Lopez.

Barcelona will be aiming to go one step further in the Champions League than last term, when they lost a spectacular semi-final to Inter Milan, and with Yamal back they will consider themselves among the contenders to go deep into the tournament once more.

The match, however, was Rashford's evening as he silenced the jeers of Newcastle's crowd and delivered a clear message to the watching the England coach.

Upcoming Fixtures for Newcastle United?

Newcastle' next fixture is away to Bournemouth on the weekend at 2pm BST. They then face Bradford City in defence of their EFL Cup crown in the next stage at home on midweek, 24 September at 7:45pm BST.