LONDON, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) -- Marcus Rashford made a dazzling Champions League debut for Barcelona, inspiring them to a 2-1 victory on Thursday as Newcastle United's campaign began with defeat at St James' Park. The breakthrough came on the 58th minute when he rose to meet Jules Kounde's cross with a precise header past Nick Pope. Nine minutes later, he delivered an even better strike - a thunderous 20-yard effort that crashed in off the crossbar, leaving Pope with no chance. Gordon struggled to influence proceedings, while Rashford punished Newcastle with ruthless finishing. Gordon did pull one back for Newcastle deep into stoppage time, but Barcelona held firm to secure the win.