*This content was translated by AI.
Lee Kang-in (Atletico Madrid), ace of the South Korean national football team, was substituted after just 35 minutes in his first start. While this scene could have been interpreted negatively, local Spanish media instead viewed it as a positive signal.
On the morning of the 15th (Korean time), Atletico secured a 2-1 victory over Marseille (France) in a pre-season friendly match held at Orange Velodrome in Marseille, France. Rodrigo Mendez equalized in the 39th minute of the first half, and Carlos Martin scored the go-ahead goal in the 33rd minute of the second half.
Lee Kang-in, who made his debut for Atletico in a match against Manchester City (England) held in Seoul on the 9th, was named in the starting lineup for the first time today. Positioned as an attacker in a 5-3-2 formation, he partnered with Ademola Lookman to target the opponent's goal.
However, an unexpected scene unfolded. Diego Simeone, Atletico's head coach, called Lee Kang-in back to the bench after just 35 minutes of the first half.
It was not due to poor performance. On this day, not only Lee Kang-in but also Alejandro Grimaldo, who made his debut in an Atletico jersey, and Julian Simeone, a wide-area resource, were all substituted simultaneously.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo explained, "Grimaldo played for the first time in an Atletico jersey, Lee Kang-in started for the first time, and Julian also started for the first time in this pre-season."
It further noted, "However, all three players were substituted after just 35 minutes of match play. It was a scene that surprised everyone."
But Mundo Deportivo viewed the substitutions as part of player management rather than a reflection of performance issues.
The outlet stated, "Coach Simeone likely chose these substitutions to manage training loads during the pre-season. It is important to remember that all three players only joined team training just a few days ago."
Lee Kang-in and Grimaldo are new signings who joined Atletico this summer. Although Lee Kang-in's transfer to Atletico was officially announced on the 25th of last month, he did not immediately join the squad and instead conducted individual training in Seoul. After arriving in Korea for Atletico's tour, he began working closely with Coach Simeone and his new teammates.
World-class fullback Grimaldo also made his first competitive appearance for Atletico in this match against Marseille. Grimaldo contributed to Spain's second-ever World Cup victory at the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup, playing through to the final, which naturally delayed his joining of Atletico.
Atletico had as many as nine players participate in the North American World Cup final. Julian from the Argentina national team also returned late to the squad. Ultimately, Coach Simeone appears to have substituted them after 35 minutes, considering their physical condition given that they could not fully complete a normal pre-season.
Even more positive prospects emerged. Mundo Deportivo even suggested the possibility of Lee Kang-in, Grimaldo, and Julian starting in the upcoming regular league opener.
Atletico will face Malaga in Round 1 of the 2026-2027 Spanish La Liga on the 20th. With little time remaining until the opening match, there is a need to specially manage the condition of some players, including Lee Kang-in.
Mundo Deportivo predicted, "All three players have a possibility of starting in the match against Malaga."
Lee Kang-in's performance was also sufficiently positive. He showcased his greatest strength—delivering passes that caught opponents off guard—on several occasions. Today, Lee Kang-in completed all six of his passes to teammates, achieving a 100% pass success rate.
He also created a scene that nearly led to a goal. In the 8th minute of the first half, Lee Kang-in collected the ball near the halfway line and calmly turned. Immediately spotting Lookman penetrating into the space behind the defense, he delivered a exquisite through pass. The Marseille defense collapsed instantly.
Lookman, receiving Lee Kang-in's pass, found himself in a one-on-one opportunity against the goalkeeper. However, his shot struck the goalpost and did not result in a goal.
He also created a good chance in the 32nd minute of the first half. Lee Kang-in drew in opposing defenders with a dribble before passing to Lookman, who was positioned on the right. However, Lookman's touch was not smooth, and the ball drifted slightly backward, failing to lead to a decisive shooting opportunity.
Another Spanish outlet, AS, also gave high marks for Lee Kang-in's performance. The outlet assessed, "Two of Lee Kang-in's passes could have led to goals."
It even praised Lee Kang-in while comparing him with Grimaldo. AS stated, "The Korean Lee Kang-in started and played 35 minutes, just like Grimaldo. It was natural for Grimaldo, who had just joined the team, to be somewhat quiet. However, Lee Kang-in showed that something happens whenever he gets the ball."
It further added, "He demonstrated vision in watching the game and intention in his play. A great signing."
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*This content was translated by AI.
