Florian Lejeune was not a renowned set-piece specialist during his injury-hit spell with Newcastle United. However, the Magpies defender has surprisingly opened his account at new club Rayo Vallecano with a free-kick.
Lejeune netted the equaliser in the 75th minute during the La Liga side's eventual 2-1 defeat at Osasuna on Sunday. The centre-back was handed dead-ball responsibilities for the free-kick close to the left corner of the penalty area.
Lejeune's strike looked to be heading for the centre of the goal, but moved right and bamboozled goalkeeper Sergio Herrera, who had taken a step in the opposite direction. The 31-year-old was mobbed by jubilant team-mates, but Osasuna had the last laugh as Ruben Garcia netted a winner in the 90th minute.
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Lejeune initially left Newcastle on loan for Alaves in the summer of 2020, before making the move permanent. The centre-back has gone on to make 67 appearances for the club, but was allowed to leave in July on a season-long loan following their relegation last season.
Signed by Rafa Benitez, Lejeune showed initial promise in black-and-white but was sidelined for successive spells with lengthy injury setbacks. This however has not stopped a number of Newcastle fans from following the defender's career since, judging by the response to a social media clip of his first Rayo Vallecano goal.
One fan posted in response: "What a beauty. Miss you at nufc." Another supporter replied: "Howay, Florian. Cracking strike! Best wishes from NUFC."
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