Barcelona 5-0 Eibar: 5 Talking Points as Blaugrana run riot at home | LaLiga 2019/20

#2 Martin Braithwaite makes instant impact

FC Barcelona v SD Eibar SAD - La Liga

The last week was filled with reports of Barcelona completing the 'strange transfer' of Martin Braithwaite, with many not knowing of the special transfer rule involving injured LaLiga players until the Catalans triggered his release clause.

The Danish international was signed from Leganes and despite the Blaugrana not breaking any rule, the fact that Leganes are currently embroiled in an intense relegation battle and were powerless to either stop or replace their departing highest goalscorer was seen by many to be another case of the rules favouring the rich and mighty.

In light of this, many took to social media to castigate the Catalans, with the term 'Barcagate' trending across different platforms and Braithwaite did not do himself any favours with his rather shambolic unveiling.

Prior to kickoff, Barcelona fans in the Camp Nou waved white handkerchiefs to express their displeasure and call for the sack of Josep Barthomeu over the disastrous boardroom decisions taken in the last few years, while the club president also had to deny rumours during the week that he hired a media firm to tarnish the image of past and present players including Lionel Messi.

It was in the midst of this brewing storm that Braithwaite made his Barcelona bow and with his side already 3-0 up, there was less pressure for him to make an impact.

That did not, however, deter him and in the 87th minute, he pulled off a bit of individual skill, controlling the ball expertly and dribbling past Alvaro Tejero before finding his captain from an acute angle.

Three minutes later, he was played in through on goal but his finish was well saved by Dmitrovic who could only parry to Arthur to put Barcelona 5-0 up.

Braithwaite might have been the strangest of signings for Barcelona but if his debut cameo showed us anything, it is that he might not be as far-left at the Camp Nou as was first believed.