'Perfect Debut' Lee Kang-in Explodes with a Stunning First Goal... His Signature Left-Footed Shot 'Bang'

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Kang-in (25) delivered a fantastic debut goal in his return to the Spanish stage and his official debut match for Atletico Madrid, leaving a strong impression on home fans.

On the 20th at 4 a.m. (Korean time), Atletico Madrid faced Malaga in the opening round of the 2026-2027 La Liga season at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain.

Lee Kang-in came on as a substitute in the second half and scored the first goal, repaying manager Diego Simeone's trust. In the 25th minute of the second half, Lee Kang-in sliced through the upper left corner of Malaga's goal with a sharp left-footed shot, completely turning around Atletico's somewhat stifling flow.

Starting lineup: Ademola Lookman and Arnau Ortiz played up front; Rodrigo Mendoza, Pablo Barrios, Koke, and Carlos Martin formed the midfield. Dani Martinez, David Hancko, Robin Le Normand, and Jorge Dominguez made up the back four, with Jan Oblak guarding the goal. Lee Kang-in was named on the substitute bench and began the match from there.

The first half continued in a somewhat stifling flow. Although Atletico held possession against Malaga, they could not dominate the opponent and struggled to penetrate their narrow defense. Ultimately, both teams failed to create a single decisive scoring opportunity, ending the first half scoreless.

Manager Simeone sought a turnaround by substituting Dominguez for Marcos Llorente immediately after the second half began. Then, in the 13th minute of the second half, Lee Kang-in finally stepped onto the pitch to play his long-awaited official debut match. Simeone simultaneously brought on Julian Simeone and Alex Baena alongside Lee Kang-in, while pulling Martin, Mendoza, and Ortiz off the field to tighten the attack. Malaga also made two substitutions.

Substituted in, Lee Kang-in scored a priceless first goal just 25 minutes into the second half, leaving a perfect first impression on home fans. Shaking up the opposing defense with exquisite dribbling, Lee Kang-in perfectly sliced through the upper left corner of Malaga's goal with a sharp left-footed curling shot.

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*This content was translated by AI.