Marcus Rashford receives clear verdict after fresh Barcelona and Lamine Yamal controversy

Marcus Rashford was in action for the full 90 minutes as Barcelona clinched a thrilling last-minute victory against Girona on Saturday, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from Ronald Araujo. The 2-1 triumph catapulted Barcelona to the top of La Liga and continued Rashford's impressive form for the Spanish side.

The England star, who joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester United this summer, has already scored three goals and provided five assists in just 11 appearances, including a spectacular brace against Newcastle in the Champions League last month.

Playing on the left wing, Rashford received widespread acclaim for his performance. Although he didn't score or assist, the forward consistently troubled Girona's defence with his creative and energetic play.

Rashford's solid performances come after Barcelona manager Hansi Flick dismissed rumours that the forward faced harsher disciplinary action than Lamine Yamal.

Spanish media reports suggested that club officials had 'forced' Flick to include Yamal in the Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month, despite the youngster arriving late for a team meeting.

Rashford had been relegated to the bench for September's La Liga match against Getafe following a similar disciplinary breach.

Flick rubbished the claims, branding the rumours as "lies" and insisting he retained complete control over disciplinary decisions, declaring "It's b******t".

With the controversy from that incident now firmly in the rear-view mirror, Spanish media have reviewed Rashford's showing against Girona.

SPORT - 'Incisive and dangerous'

Writing for SPORT, Jordi Gil wrote: "The match was already very difficult for FC Barcelona, and Girona made it even more difficult.[Girona manager] Michel's team caught the Catalans with their backs open on numerous occasions, and their lack of accuracy condemned them.

"Barca also had their chances, especially with Rashford, who was incisive and dangerous from set pieces, but the match seemed doomed to a draw, or even a point could be feared on the counterattack. Rashford was doing more damage on the left than in midfield."

Marca - 'Rashford hit the crossbar'

Rashford received two stars - a positive rating - for his performance from the Spanish outlet Marca.

Fernando Carnerero wrote: "The Blaugrana's response was a shot from close range by De Jong that [Paulo] Gazzaniga sent out for a corner, and a Rashford free kick that hit the crossbar.

"Cubarsi made it 2-1, but Jesus Gil ruled it out for a foul by Eric Garcia on Hugo Rincon. This action spurred the crowd and the home side to their feet, who had three chances, all from Rashford, in which the Girona goalkeeper was accurate."

MonEsport - 'A very active Rashford'

Oriol Cartro, reporting for MonEsport, stated: "Hansi Flick has had to put an unprecedented offensive trident on the Montjuic pitch, with the return of Lamine Yamal after his injury, Marcus Rashford at left wing and a surprising Toni Fernandez at the forefront of the attack.

"Pablo Gazzaniga prevented Frenkie de Jong from putting his team ahead again with a spectacular handball, while only the crossbar was able to avoid a wonderful free kick from Rashford.

"Barca continued to attack insistently and only Gazzaniga was able to stop the Barca attacks, especially from a very active Rashford on the pitch, while Girona was very serious in defence."