Lee Kang-in still in Korea as 'surprise competitor' emerges... Atletico suffers 1-2 comeback loss to Manchester United

*This content was translated by AI.

While Lee Kang-in, the ace of the South Korean national football team, remains in Korea and has not yet joined the Atletico Madrid squad, an unexpected 'surprise competitor' has emerged.

On the 1st (Korea time), Atletico suffered a 1-2 comeback loss to Manchester United (England) in a pre-season friendly match held at Råsunda Stadium in Stockholm, Sweden.

Atletico initially took the lead but collapsed after conceding consecutive goals from Manchester United striker Bryan Mbeumo. Particularly painful were two defensive errors in the second half that directly led to goals.

However, the match was not without gains. Winger Arnaud Ortis scored back-to-back pre-season goals, leaving a strong impression on coach Diego Simeone.

Ortis also scored in a friendly against Getafe on the 30th of last month, contributing to Atletico's 4-1 victory. This positive momentum continued in the match against Manchester United. In the fifth minute of the first half, a cross from the left wing found its way directly into the net for the opening goal.

This performance is also noteworthy for Lee Kang-in. Ortis, a Spanish winger, scored 23 goals last season while playing for Atletico B under coach Fernando Torres, a former club legend striker. This season, he has shown strong enthusiasm from the pre-season onward with the aim of breaking into the first team.

Spanish media outlet Cadena Ser evaluated Ortis by stating, "He is demonstrating strong will, ambition, and a desire to join the first team."

It further praised, "Ortis played 30 minutes in the Getafe match and scored. It was an excellent goal highlighted by his great movement penetrating behind the opposing defense."

If Ortis secures a spot in the first team based on his pre-season performances, Lee Kang-in will face one more internal competitor.

Atletico officially announced the signing of Lee Kang-in last month. The contract runs until the summer of 2031, and Lee Kang-in was assigned the number 7 jersey, symbolizing the team's ace. According to local reports, the transfer fee is a base 35 million euros (approximately 58 billion won) with additional options attached.

However, due to various reasons, Lee Kang-in has not yet joined the Atletico Madrid squad. He is currently staying in Korea and reportedly improving his physical condition according to a program provided by the club.

Meanwhile, Ortis, who can be utilized in a similar position, has consistently made his presence felt, which is something Lee Kang-in cannot help but pay attention to. There is a strong possibility that Lee Kang-in and Ortis will compete for the winger and second striker positions.

Lee Kang-in's debut match for Atletico is highly likely to take place in front of Korean fans. Atletico is scheduled to play a pre-season friendly against world-famous Manchester City on the 9th. Lee Kang-in is expected to make his debut for his new club in this match.

It is not only Lee Kang-in who has not yet joined Atletico Madrid.

According to reports, players who participated in the World Cup, including Julian Alvarez, Alexander Sørloth, Julián Simeone, Alejandro Grimaldo, Marcos Llorente, Thiago Almada, Marc Pubill, Juan Musso, Nahuel Molina, and Alex Baena, have not yet returned.

Additionally, Pablo Barrios and Johnny Cardoso were absent from the match against Manchester United due to physical condition issues. While Atletico is not yet at full strength, Ortis is seizing opportunities to establish his presence.

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*This content was translated by AI.