After making his debut for FC Barcelona in the La Liga 2026/27 match against Valencia, Brazilian forward, Gabriel Jesus, said, he is “still building match fitness'”.
The Brazilian made his debut for the Catalans as a substitute after replacing Pedri in the game against Valencia on Sunday.
In the showdown that took place inside the Mestalla in the city of Valencia, Hansi Flick led Barcelona to an easy 5-0 triumph over their hosts on Sunday 6 September, 2026.
It was a beautiful performance from the visitors on the road. The display from the reigning Kings of Spain could have produced more goals.
Spain winger, Lamine Yamal, struck the back of the net twice in both sides of the game to help Barcelona clinch four (4) victories in four (4) encounters.
And, with Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid stunned with a lone goal defeat when they locked horns with Real Betis, Barca are now at the top of standings, where they deserve to be, following their excellent performance since the new season kicked off.
The scoring opened very early, in the 6th minute, after Fermin Lopez provided for Yamal, who made sure to convert for the visitors, and just two (2) minutes later, Yamal found the back of the net again, however, it was cancelled by Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Barcelona continued to pressure the home side and in the 22nd minute, former Newcastle United forward, Anthony Gordon, was the provider for F. Lopez to net the second for Barca.
With Barcelona the dominant side all through the contest, the goal spree continued with Raphinha (50′), Pedri (79′) and Yamal (84′), all scoring to make it 5-0 right inside Mestalla; assists from F. Lopez and Dani Olmo with the fourth and fifth goals.
Jesus, who replaced Pedri in the 81st minute for his debut, reacted after the victory, saying, fielding his first for Barcelona “makes him so happy”, adding, he feels good “physically”.
The former Arsenal forward expressed his “happiness” for the debut, as well as, the victory.
In his post-victory comments via X, Jesus said: “Debuting in this jersey makes me so happy. Physically I feel good, though I’m still building up match fitness. The more minutes I get, the better I’ll feel. I’m just really happy for the debut and the win.”
Gabriel Jesus joining Barcelona
Brazil forward, Gabriel Jesus, moved to Barcelona from Premier League club, Arsenal, on September 1, 2026.
The former Manchester City player put pen to paper on a contract that will keep him at Camp Nou, until 2029, for a reported transfer fee of around €10 million (£8.6 million).
Next for Barcelona and Valencia?
Barcelona will play against Dutch Eredivisie side, Feyenoord, in the Uefa Champions League 2026/27 League Phase match at Camp Nou, Barcelona on Wednesday 9 September, 2026 at 17:45 (WAT).
While, Valencia will take a trip to Seville for a La Liga 2026/27 match against Sevilla at Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán on Friday 11 September, 2026 at 20:00 (WAT).
With the win at Valencia, Barcelona top the La Liga table with twelve (12) points, Deportivo Alavez trail with ten (10) points, Real Madrid are third with nine (9) points, while, Valencia are 20th with one (1) point.
