Wu optimistic amid Espanyol's Spain pain

MADRID－Chinese striker Wu Lei reckons his struggling Espanyol team has what it takes to drag itself out of the relegation mire.

Although Espanyol has breezed through its Europa League group, playing in two competitions appears to have taken its toll on a thin squad. The Barcelona-based outfit finds itself second from bottom in La Liga, with just nine points from 15 matches and five points from safety.

Last weekend, Espanyol plumbed new depths when, after surrendering a 1-0 lead at home to Osasuna, it went on to lose 4-2, despite the visitor playing the final 40 minutes with 10 men.

That prompted coach Pablo Machin to publicly cast doubt on his players, but ahead of Saturday's intimidating trip to Real Madrid, Wu is staying optimistic.

"It's a delicate moment for the team. We never imagined we would be in this situation, but I am confident and we all should be confident, because the squad is good enough," Wu said during an online questions-and-answers session to promote a video game this week.

"We really need a win and I'm sure that when we win a game everything will change."

Wu arrived at Espanyol from Shanghai SIPG in January, and says the only difference between his life in Spain and in China is that "here I go to Spanish class once a week".

Despite Team China's struggles in World Cup qualifying, the 27-year-old has been a rare shining light for the national side and remains hopeful it can turn its campaign around and reach the 2022 Qatar finals.

"It would be a dream come true for me and for all of our fans," said Wu, who also had praise for Lionel Messi after the Barcelona superstar won his sixth Ballon d'Or trophy on Monday.

"When you play against him on the pitch, it's not like seeing him on the television," said Wu. "When you face him you can feel his talent and his strength."