Just as everyone thought he was going to shoot for the far corner,
Lu Chuan's right foot struck the lower side of the ball with the outside of his instep!
The ball arced with an unbelievable outswing, bypassing goalkeeper Oier Olazábal, who was covering the near post, and nestled into the near corner of the goal!
This goal plunged the entire Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium into a brief silence.
Fans in the stands watched with wide-open mouths, unable to believe what had just happened.
Immediately, even some of the home fans couldn't help but applaud this imaginative and artistic goal.
"Oh my God! What a shot!" The live commentator's voice had changed pitch.
A League scoring streak, the fourth consecutive match, achieved! Lu Chuan conquered this intimidating away ground with a masterful goal!
Álvaro García was the first to rush over, dramatically hugging Lu Chuan's shooting foot.
"Does your foot have a GPS or something? How did that even go in!"
Trejo also ran over, smiling as he patted his head.
"You little rascal, you got me another assist!"
Suárez waved his arms in midfield, shouting excitedly at Lu Chuan.
"My goodness, that was more exciting than the circus I saw when I was a kid!"
Isi Palazón sprinted over from the wing, making a gesture of worship.
"Mate, teach me that trick! I want to shoot with the outside of my instep too from now on!"
Even goalkeeper Dimitrievski ran over from the backfield, excitedly patting Lu Chuan's shoulder.
"How are the rest of us supposed to live if you keep playing like this!"
Tenerife coach Baraja shook his head helplessly on the sidelines.
He had pushed his tactics to the limit, but still couldn't defend against such a flash of genius.
In the away stands, a few dozen Rayo Vallecano fans jumped wildly, their voices faint but enough to express their inner ecstasy.
In the final 20 minutes of the match, Tenerife launched a fierce counterattack, but Rayo Vallecano's defense was rock solid.
The final whistle blew, and the 1-0 scoreline remained until the end.
Lu Chuan lay on the grass, gazing at the Canary Islands sky. The sea breeze brushed his cheek, bringing a refreshing coolness.
"Ding! A tough away victory!"
"Match Rating: 8.8"
"LP gained: 200 (Match Victory) + 150 (Crucial Winning Goal) + 100 (Technical Goal) = 450LP!"
"Current LP Balance: 2430+450 = 2880LP!"
Seeing the 2880 LP balance, Lu Chuan's heart swelled with joy. He was another big step closer to the 3500LP needed to redeem Big Heart.
In the locker room, the teammates' cheers echoed in the small space. Paco Jémez walked up to Lu Chuan and patted his shoulder.
"Do you know? Today's goal will make many people remember your name."
Lu Chuan smiled, wiping the sweat from his face.
He thought of Esther's photo, and the encouragement and support in her eyes.
Amidst the roar of the plane taking off, the Rayo Vallecano players embarked on their journey home.
Outside the window, the waves of the Atlantic Ocean sparkled in the sunset, as bright as the burning dream in Lu Chuan's heart.
The next day, Marca's headline read "Lucharadona!" (Lu-Maradona),
comparing his outside-of-the-foot goal to the classic works of football legend Maradona, praising him as not just a scorer, but an artist.
This victory quietly propelled Rayo Vallecano to fifth place in the League standings, just a step away from the direct promotion zone. The entire team's morale was high.
Back in Madrid, Esther gave Lu Chuan a big hug as a "reward."
"I saw your goal, it was absolutely beautiful! Like an art film!"
She whispered in Lu Chuan's ear, her warm breath making his heart race.
"To celebrate, I've decided... for the next home game, I'm going to watch it live, in the regular stands."
Esther blinked, a mischievous smile playing on her lips.
"Are you crazy? I don't want to see news of you being mobbed by fans!"
Lu Chuan reached out and gently stroked her cheek, his expression worried.
"Don't worry, I have professional makeup artist friends."
Esther took his hand, their fingers intertwined.
"Once I look like a regular fan, even you won't recognize me."
She stood on tiptoe and lightly kissed him on the lips.
"I want to experience what it's like to cheer wildly for you with everyone else."
Lu Chuan was startled.
"No! It's too dangerous! You'll be discovered!"
Esther, however, winked playfully.
"Don't worry, I have a way. Just wait to see me at the stadium."
Her eyes sparkled with excitement, that look of anticipation making Lu Chuan both worried and touched.
The team's next match was a home game against the formidable Huesca.
This was not only a crucial 6-point promotion battle but also potentially a game full of unknown variables, with the "scandalous leading lady" watching live.
Lu Chuan felt a sweet pressure.
He knew Huesca's strength; they were a team capable of holding their own in La Liga.
Japanese international Shinji Okazaki's tireless running and central midfielder Mikel Rico's organizational skills made this team stand out in the Segunda División.
Esther sensed his tension and gently stroked his back.
"Don't think too much, just focus on playing."
Her voice was soft, carrying a calming power.
"I'll be silently supporting you from the stands, just like thousands of other fans."
Lu Chuan took a deep breath and pulled her into his embrace.
"Then promise me, you must be careful."
"I promise you."
Esther responded softly against his chest, her heartbeat clearly audible in the quiet room.
Two days later, during training, Paco Jémez drew complex formation diagrams on the tactics board.
"Huesca isn't Tenerife; their overall strength is among the best in the Segunda División."
He pointed to the red arrows on the tactics board, his expression serious.
"We can't rely on luck; we must be fully prepared tactically."
Lu Chuan stood among his teammates, but his mind was a little adrift.
He imagined Esther disguised among the fans, imagined her voice cheering for him.
"Lu!"
Paco's voice brought his attention back.
"What are you thinking about?"
"Nothing, coach."
Lu Chuan shook his head, refocusing on the tactical setup.
After training, Carlos found Lu Chuan.
"I have good news and bad news."
Carlos's expression was somewhat complex.
"Let's hear the good news first."
Lu Chuan wiped his sweat, awaiting his agent's report.
"The good news is, your outside-of-the-foot goal video has gone viral on social media, and your popularity has skyrocketed.
Three scouts from top European clubs have already contacted me, wanting to watch your games."
Lu Chuan's eyes lit up; this meant he was one step closer to the top five Leagues.
"And the bad news?"
"The bad news is, the paparazzi's attention is also more focused.
They are digging into your private life, especially that photo from the mountain park."
Carlos's expression became solemn.
"Your relationship with Esther needs to be handled with even more care."
Lu Chuan nodded, the sweet pressure in his heart growing heavier.
Match day finally arrived.
Outside Vallecas Stadium, fans gathered early, red and white scarves fluttering in the Madrid sun.
Lu Chuan sat on the team bus, looking out the window at the passionate supporters, a warm feeling welling up in his heart.
"The atmosphere today is fantastic."
Álvaro García excitedly tapped the bus window.
"I feel like I can hear their heartbeats."
Trejo rested his eyes in his seat, but a faint smile played on his lips.
"Hope today's game is as exciting as the last one."
Suárez checked his shin guards, his expression focused.
"Huesca is no pushover; we need to be ready for a tough battle."
Lu Chuan didn't participate in his teammates' chatter; his gaze searched the stadium stands.
Would Esther really come? Could she successfully disguise herself?
These questions swirled in his mind, making him both expectant and worried.
In the locker room, Paco Jémez delivered his final pep talk.
"gentlemen, this is one of our most important games of the season."
His voice was strong and resonant, every word striking a chord with the players.
"Huesca is strong, but we are not weak. We have home advantage, the support of our fans, and, most importantly, trust in each other."
Lu Chuan adjusted his jersey, his fingers touching the team crest on his chest.
"Today, we will tell everyone that Rayo Vallecano deserves promotion!"
As Paco's words fell, a thunderous roar erupted in the locker room.
In the player tunnel, Huesca's players looked serious. Shinji Okazaki stood out in the lineup, his gaze focused and determined.
Lu Chuan met his gaze, and sparks seemed to fly in the air.
"Are you ready?"
Trejo whispered beside Lu Chuan.
"Ready."
Lu Chuan took a deep breath, the fighting spirit in his heart burning fiercely.
The grass on the field sparkled in the sun, and fans in the stands had already begun to sing the team anthem.
In this red and white ocean, was there a special figure cheering him on?
Lu Chuan clenched his fists, ready to face this crucial battle.