Spanish media react as 'spectacular' Gabriel Jesus sends Arsenal a message after Barcelona goal

Gabriel Jesus left Arsenal for Barcelona on transfer deadline day and the Brazilian striker is already making his mark with the Catalan giants

Gabriel Jesus scored his first goal for Barcelona in a 5-1 Champions League demolition job against Feyenoord. Spanish media heaped praise on the former Arsenal striker, who sent a poignant message to his former side after the win.

After four years at the Emirates, Jesus waved north London goodbye on transfer deadline day as he made a £8.6million switch to the Camp Nou. His role under Mikel Arteta faded last season as he battled injuries and he departed with 123 Gunners appearances under his belt, in which he scored 32 goals.

But after arriving in Spain, Jesus revealed that his exit was not harmonious. He claims he was made to train on his own and was ostracised from the first team before completing the transfer. He made his debut off the bench in Barcelona's 5-0 win against Valencia on Sunday.

The 29-year-old was again a substitute versus Feyenoord but came on in the 83rd minute. Less than two minutes later, he grabbed his first goal and he could have had a second late on. He sent a message to his former side after the final whistle: "I really enjoy playing in this competition. Last year I came close and I hope this season will be different."

Jesus clearly has set his sights on bettering last year's Champions League finalists and his former team, Arsenal, who began their European campaign with a 1-0 win against Napoli. And the media in Spain have been quick to commend Barcelona's signing of Jesus and his "spectacular" outing on Wednesday evening.

SPORT

Jesus scored with his first touch against Feyenoord. SPORT applauded the striker's efforts. It wrote: "Seven minutes at the Camp Nou is a long time.

"And even more so if you're Gabriel Jesus, the footballer who never gives up and has the knack for getting the most out of his performances, with a level of efficiency reserved only for the chosen few.

"The former City and Arsenal player came on in the final moments of the match against Feyenoord and began to make his mark on the club's history. He had only been on the pitch for a couple of minutes when he capitalised on a precise cross, flicking it on with intelligence and cunning, sending the ball beyond the reach of German goalkeeper Tjark Ernst.

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"GJ9 couldn't hide his excitement about everything he'd experienced. It's a spectacular start, one that reinforces his credentials and will help him continue his journey to rediscover his joy after a less-than-positive spell at Arsenal.

"In recent weeks, Jesus has been getting back to form, thanks to the confidence shown in him by Deco, the main advocate for his swift signing, and Hansi Flick."

Mundo Deportivo

Mundo Deportivo was on the same page, penning: "The Brazilian's home debut was unbeatable. At the end of the match, he embraced Raphinha. Brazilians are bringing smiles back to Barcelona faces.

"The new signing came on in the 83rd minute, after a spell with Dani Olmo playing as a false nine. He needed little more than a minute to open his scoring account.

"When the ball fell to Yamal on the wing, Jesus positioned himself between the centre-backs, waiting for the cross. His header, a flick on the ball, was that of a true penalty-box predator. His first shot, his first goal.

"Jesus' performance wasn't limited to his two shots. He produced one of those plays that coaches love. With the score at 5-1, he dropped back to defend in his own half, recovered the ball near Joan Garcia as the last man, and then drew a foul."