Wu Lei of RCD Espanyol celebrates scoring on April 10, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. Photo: VCG

Chinese soccer star Wu Lei has been under the spotlight in Chinese social media platforms since Sunday after he bagged a last-gasp goal in La Liga, driving Espanyol to a hard-fought 1-0 win over Celta Vigo and reviving their hopes of a top half finish.

It was Wu's first league goal of the season, breaking a 117-day goal drought for the club and also marking the 10th goal of his career in La Liga. The result puts the Periquitos on 39 points, only two behind 10th-placed Osasuna.

The first half was barren for both teams, and when Wu came on as a substitute in the 67th minute, the Chinese star looked eager to run at Celta's defenders, forcing them to backtrack and make errors. 

The breakthrough arrived in the 89th ­minute when Wu received an astute pass from Sergi Darder before lashing a fierce angled shot past Celta goalkeeper Matias Dituro.

Wu was named Player of the Match and thanked the fans during the interview for their support all the way. 

"In good times and bad, the fans have always supported me. I hope I can give the team more help in the future, and I hope everyone can keep supporting us," the striker said.

Spectators at the scene did not hold back on their applause. Wu's name resounded throughout the whole stadium after the competition.

A fan holds a Wu Lei scarf during the match against Celta Vigo on April 10, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. Photo: VCG

Chinese soccer fans unable to support Wu at the scene expressed their excitement on Sina Weibo, calling Wu the "light of Chinese soccer" and "pride of China."

"Wu Lei proved to us that hard work and persistence pays off," commented one Sina Weibo user, recalling Wu's endeavors when he first played in La Liga.

Luo Le, a Beijing-based sport commentator, told the Global Times on Monday that the crucial goal could help Wu increase his ­self-confidence and adjust his mental attitude.

"As a striker, sometimes the performance does not rely on his legs but on his mental state. The goal can make him more positive and confident," Luo noted.

Wu will be keen to score again when Espanyol visit Atletico Madrid next weekend, as they look to complete the campaign with a brilliant ending. 

Wu was named Chinese Footballer of the Year 2021 on April 1, 2022 for setting a goal record for the Chinese men's football team at a single FIFA World Cup qualifying competition.