Gabriel Jesus had a home debut to remember for Barcelona, scoring on his Camp Nou bow in a 5-1 Champions League win over Feyenoord. The former Arsenal forward equalled Brazilian legend Rivaldo’s record in Europe’s premier club competition after finding the net only minutes after coming off the bench. After the game, the 29-year-old spoke about the emotion of living out a lifelong dream in front of a packed stadium.

Impactful debut on a European night at Camp Nou

Barcelona maintained their red-hot form in the UEFA Champions League with an emphatic 5-1 win over Feyenoord at Camp Nou. Raphinha scored twice, while Karim Adeyemi and Lamine Yamal produced stunning goals, before Gabriel Jesus rounded off the one-sided victory late in the match.

Playing his second match since arriving from Arsenal, the 29-year-old came on from the bench in the closing stages for his European debut with the Blaugrana. Almost immediately after entering the field, the Brazilian striker got on the end of a cushioned cross from Yamal and guided a header into the net with his very first touch at the stadium.

The rapid goal led Jesus to break into his trademark celebration in front of the home supporters, putting the finishing touch on a commanding display by the Catalan giants on Europe’s biggest stage.

Former Arsenal striker opens up on achieving childhood dream

Looking back on his dream introduction in front of the Barcelona fans, the Brazilian attacker said that scoring his first goal at Camp Nou gave him a feeling unlike anything else he has experienced in his career.

“I had the same feeling as when I scored my first professional goal. It’s a different kind of emotion,” Jesus told reporters after the match. “My first goal at a full Camp Nou, something I had always imagined, and I’ve already been able to achieve it in my second match for the club.”

Historic landmarks reached on the European stage

Jesus’ goal took his Champions League tally to 27, drawing him level with Rivaldo — who also played for Palmeiras and Barcelona — among Brazil’s top scorers in the competition. He also moved ahead of Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, who has 26 goals and is recovering from knee surgery that will keep him out until 2027.

Speaking about being mentioned alongside his legendary compatriot Rivaldo, Jesus said: “Rivaldo is an extraordinary player, an idol of this club and someone I’ve always admired on the pitch. It’s a pleasure to share this list with great names from our history, with so many geniuses and stars that only Brazil can produce, each in their own era and period playing in the Champions League.”

The elite competition carries major personal importance for the 29-year-old, who is still motivated to win the trophy after suffering heartbreak in previous campaigns. On his ambitions, Jesus said: “I really like playing in this competition. Last year I fell just short and I hope this season will be different.”

Renewing European ambition after earlier heartbreak

After losing the 2021 final with Manchester City against Chelsea and then going through Arsenal’s penalty shoot-out defeat to Luis Enrique’s PSG in Budapest last May, Jesus is determined to change his story in Europe. His immediate impact at Barcelona suggests the start of a new chapter in which he could become crucial to their continental ambitions.