'Lee Kang-in Effect Beyond Imagination' Seoul World Cup Stadium Stands Packed to the Second Floor [Sangam Field Report]

*This content was translated by AI.

This is truly the 'Lee Kang-in (Atlético Madrid) effect'.

The 2026 Coupang Play Series match between Atlético (AT) Madrid and Manchester City was played in an atmosphere as intense as a national team A-match. The two teams clashed at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the afternoon of the 9th, and from the start, numerous spectators wearing the new AT Madrid jerseys of Lee Kang-in were noticeable.

Even before the match, the area around the stadium was heated with excitement surpassing that of an A-match. Nearby traffic was virtually paralyzed by vehicles seeking parking. Fans headed to the stadium wearing sky-blue Manchester City jerseys or red-and-white striped Atlético Madrid jerseys, and many vendors set up stalls near the stadium, just as they do for A-matches.

Lee Kang-in's new jersey, confirmed in his transfer to AT Madrid on the 25th of last month, could be easily spotted throughout the stadium on this day. The first-floor stands, where AT Madrid fans gathered, were packed with many spectators wearing AT Madrid jerseys, and even the second-floor AT Madrid fan zone had no empty seats to be found.

The scene, which seemed to suggest there were so many AT Madrid fans in Korea, fully demonstrated the 'Lee Kang-in effect' beyond imagination. Although Antoine Griezmann, a 'legend' who played for AT Madrid until last season, was occasionally seen being marked, the fact that most fans wearing AT Madrid jerseys today were marking the new 'No. 7' Lee Kang-in highlighted the Lee Kang-in effect.

This was also an effect felt early on in Spain. Local Spanish media outlets such as Marca had previously reported news that AT Madrid jerseys sold out in Korea immediately after Lee Kang-in's transfer to AT Madrid.

Although Lee Kang-in was excluded from the starting lineup today, a torrent of enthusiastic cheers poured down from many spectators as he warmed up before the match or entered the stadium. Lee Kang-in also waved back to the numerous fans who had come to see him. Amidst this clash between two world-class clubs, the star of the day was undoubtedly Lee Kang-in.

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*This content was translated by AI.