A Special Day For Goalscorer Marçal

- Youngster Wanya Marçal scored in the triumph over Cardiff City
- It was a dream come true for the 20-year-old to net his first senior goal
- Debutant Cesare Casadei then found a late winner for the Foxes
- The result maintains Leicester’s 100 per cent start to the season

The 20-year-old broke the deadlock at King Power Stadium with a stunning strike – his first senior goal – and one which ultimately helped in claiming all three points via a 2-1 triumph.

Such a moment, in front of the Blue Army, is one Marçal had previously visualised, having come through the ranks at the Club to break through into the first team this term.

Talking through his goal, the winger said: “It was just when I saw the corner coming in, I knew that there was going to be a few rebounds, so I just thought to stay on my toes there and the ball might land to me.

“I hit it sweetly – you don't really get those often, so it's kind of a collector's item, but it went into the top corner. It was amazing. I've been here for about eight years, and I've always dreamed of scoring at King Power Stadium in front of the fans.

“As soon as it went in, I was ecstatic. It’s very, very special. It's what I've been working towards my whole career, really. So now that I'm getting opportunities to prove myself in front of the fans, the Manager, all my team-mates, it's a great experience.”

There was still plenty of work to do, though, with Cardiff’s Aaron Ramsey levelling the scores before the interval. Debutant Cesare Casadei was on hand to ensure Enzo Maresca’s side still secured maximum points, though, firing home deep into stoppage-time.

Marçal reflected: “It was a tough game and we know that every game is going to be tough. When it was 1-1, we just tried to stick to the plan. Enzo told us not to get bored on the ball and the chances will come - and they did.

“It was good, Cesare took the chance when he went on. I think it was a great team performance. In the first half, [we] defended very well. We only conceded one shot, which was the goal. All-round, offensive, defensive, it’s a very good performance.”

A consistent performer in Leicester’s Development Squad over the course of the past two seasons, the Portuguese youngster has now started the Foxes’ last two league matches and is growing in confidence with every game.  

He added: “It's hard, obviously it's a big step up from Under-21s football. You play in packed stadiums week in, week out. The intensity is much, much quicker, much sharper. But I think I'm getting used to it and just building from there.”