The second biggest club in Catalonia which markets itself as “the marvellous minority” in Barca’s shadow, are within four points of a European spot, an implausible position after their poor run when their wafer-thin squad was exposed to injury. Facing relegation, Espanyol had to act and they did with the arrival of Wu.

But what happens away from the stadium is also fascinating. Reportedly, 20 million people watched Saturday’s game, which made prime time Saturday night viewing in China.

Reports in Spanish newspapers citing figures from Spanish kit manufacturer Kelme state that 10,000 Espanyol shirts have already been sold in China. Shirts with his name on have already outsold those of any other player, while 2.5 million watched a live stream of Wu signing his contract. There has been a surge in interest in Espanyol from China, one the cash-strapped club welcomes.

Wu, who became the youngest ever player to play Chinese professional football when he made his debut at 14 in the third tier in 2006 for the club which would become Shanghai SIPG, has always played in his homeland until the move to Spain. He’s only played professionally for Shanghai SIPG as they rose to become the Chinese champions in 2018.

There’s a commercial angle no doubt. Espanyol have Chinese owners and just as Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Chinese owners are pushing to promote their club in second tier Chinese cities, so Espanyol are searching for new interest.

Wu’s face is on the marketing material to sell tickets for games and they can offer an alternative to Chinese visitors who’ve previously only wanted to see Lionel Messi.

Given the limited game time for Chinese players in Europe previously – for Zhang Xizhe at Wolfsburg, Zhang Chengdong at Rayo Vallecano and Zhang Yuning at West Brom, Wu’s signing attracted scepticism.

Further back, Manchester United players suspected that their Chinese recruit Dong Fangzhuo had been bought as a commercial enterprise and felt sorry for him, but Wu has quickly excelled under Rubi, a manager who likes to play attacking football, and Wu is rapidly proving doubters wrong.

He’s fast (and feisty when needed), he beats players and passes well. He is a patient, intelligent footballer and his teammates have been genuine in their praise because he’s improved their side.

Wu had little part in Espanyol’s first goal on Saturday, scored after just 17 seconds, but he headed over after four minutes and chants of “Wu Lei!” soon followed. They roared when he attempted a bicycle kick after 36 minutes.

Despite not yet speaking Spanish, he’s settled instantly.

On the concourse at half-time, Gou Zhuoran, 27, from Chengdu in south west China, said: “I work for a Spanish company and was able to arrange to come to Barcelona and see the game. I’m here in the hope of seeing his first goal in Spain. You don’t see Chinese players in the big five leagues of world football until now. I know he can be good for business for the club, but better than that I think he can be one of the best players in the team.”

He is and his popularity rose further with fans when he gave his shirt to a young supporter at the end of the game.

Wu’s goal had been coming; he looked a threat and hit the post in the previous home game. His arrival and form have brought joy back to Espanyol’s supporters who had seen their team slip after an excellent start to the season where they rose to second after 11 games.

Wu was substituted to an ovation after 84 minutes and looked emotional.

“A dream come true,” he said after his first goal and of a fantastic first month in Spain in which he’s impressed everyone since becoming the first Chinese player to start a La Liga game.

More eyes will be on him at the end of March: he’ll be up against Lionel Messi in the Catalan derby at Camp Nou.