Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o Fils made a goalscoring start to his Barcelona career as the Spanish side beat Racing Santander 2-0. The reigning African Footballer of the Year scored from the penalty spot after 75 minutes in Barca’s away victory on the opening day of the Spanish league.
Barcelona were missing Brazilian forward Ronaldinho, but five new signings made their league debuts – Ludovic Giuly, Juliano Belletti, Deco, Henrik Larsson and Eto’o himself.
Giuly was another to mark his debut with a goal as he turned home Belletti’s fine cross after 68 minutes.
Eto’o could have scored his second, and first from open play for his new side, in the dying minutes but volleyed wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Barcelona paid a fee of US$29.41 million for the 23-year-old Eto’o earlier this month.