China cash adds kick to Espanyol

Big investment by Rastar Group a sign of the times for Euro clubs

A splurge of Chinese investment has taken world soccer by storm in recent months and the benefits are being reaped in a city that has consistently produced the world's best team for the past decade.

Facing perilous debts of $216 million, Barcelona-based Espanyol was taken over in January with Chinese entertainment company Rastar Group acquiring a 54 percent stake for an $80 million investment.