Marcus Rashford has earned praise from Spanish media after seizing his chance in a rare league start for Barcelona. Hansi Flick's side stretched their advantage at the top of La Liga to four points following a 3-0 triumph over Mallorca at the Nou Camp.

With Rafinha sidelined through injury, Rashford was given his first league start since January 3 and grasped the opportunity with both hands. Robert Lewandowski broke the deadlock in the 29th minute after a Rashford shot was blocked.

Lamine Yamal, finding the net for a fifth consecutive match, added a second just past the hour mark before fellow youngster Marc Bernal sealed the win with his maiden senior goal seven minutes from the final whistle.

However, it was Rashford that garnered most of the plaudits from the media and supporters, who gave the on-loan Manchester United attacker a standing ovation when he was withdrawn midway through the second period.

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Mundo Deportivo described Rashford's display as "hyperactive" and commended him for energising Barca after a lethargic opening. They wrote: "By far, one of Barca's most purposeful players in a first half that was collectively very flat.

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"Taking Flick's challenge to heart, he assumed attacking responsibility when the game looked its worst, producing the most dangerous shots, the second leading to the 1-0 goal, and sending a beautiful free kick straight off the crossbar. Substituted to well-deserved applause."

El Desmarque, referencing the side's sluggish opening, lauded both Rashford and Yamal for rousing Barca "from their siesta". AS also commended Rashford, while noting he enjoyed greater freedom compared to Yamal, who was "constantly facing a three-on-one on the right flank". They additionally observed that "Rashford's form has improved throughout the season".

The Barca Universal website awarded Rashford an impressive 8.5/10 rating, stating: "Rashford was perhaps Barcelona's most potent threat in the first half as he did not hesitate to cut in and shoot, creating a ruckus in the Mallorca area and bombarding Roman's goal with powerful strikes.

"He also did well providing a wide threat, although his crosses were well defended for the greater part. In fact, the opening goal stemmed from his shot on goal which fell kindly for Lewandowski."

Football Espana weren't quite as generous with their marks, handing him a 7/10 while still delivering glowing praise: "Barcelona's best attacker, and he can count himself unlucky that he did not find the back of the net with one of his ferocious strikes."

Meanwhile, Barca Blaugranes suggested the Catalan giants stirred into life "thanks in large part to Marcus Rashford, who was the brightest and most active of the Blaugrana attackers".

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