Wu Lei thanks teammates after scoring first goal in La Liga

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Chinese forward Wu Lei scored his first goal for Espanyol in their 3-1 win over Real Valladolid on Saturday.

He became the first Chinese to score in La Liga and the fifth to score in the five major European leagues after Yang Chen, Sun Jihai, Shao Jiayi and Zheng Zhi.

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"I'm very excited," Wu said after the game. "I scored in the Chinese league just months ago, and now I've got a goal in La Liga. It feels like a dream. I owe this goal to my teammates who have been helping me since my first day here. Sergi's assist was fabulous, so I was given a good chance to score."

‍This was the 27-year-old's third start and he's performed better in each game since joining the Spanish side. In the 17th minute, he was taken down by Valladolid's Borja Fernandez in the penalty area but the referee ignored claims for a foul.

Supporters of Wu Lei hold his No. 24 shirt and the Chinese national flag during the game between Espanyol and Real Valladolid, March 2, 2019. /VCG Photo

The scoring opportunity finally came in the 65th minute. Wu found empty space between Valladolid's defenders, creating a one-on-one opportunity against the goalkeeper. Wu adjusted the ball well and calmly sent it into the net to put Espanyol into a 3-1 lead.

After the match, Wu threw his jersey to a young Espanyol fan who burst into tears of joy.

A young supporter looks emotional after Wu Lei gives him his jersey after the game in Barcelona, Spain, March 2, 2019. /VCG Photo

This victory was also a big help for Espanyol who moved to 11th in the 20-team standings with 33 points, 10 more than No.18 Villarreal CF, who are facing relegation.

Wu joined the La Liga side in January from Shanghai SIPG. He won Best Player and Best Striker at last season's China's Super League awards for his outstanding performance of 27 goals.