Lee Kang-in receives 'perfect score, again perfect'... Spanish media captivated by his 'unprecedented debut match impact'

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Kang-in (25) made his Atlético (AT) Madrid debut a truly 'unprecedented stage.' After coming on as a substitute, he scored the decisive opening goal just 13 minutes later to lead his team to victory and delivered stunning passes throughout the match. The consecutive evaluations from local Spanish media, who were the only ones to award Lee Kang-in a perfect score, fully reflected the impact of his debut performance.

On the 20th (Korean time), Lee Kang-in was substituted into the 2026–2027 Spanish La Liga Round 1 home opener against Málaga at Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain in the 25th minute of the second half. He then cut inside from the right flank and unleashed a powerful left-footed mid-range shot that found the back of the net. This goal proved to be the match-winner in Atlético Madrid's 2–0 victory. It was his performance on his official debut for AT Madrid.

That was not all. Before scoring, Lee Kang-in had already threatened the opponent's goal twice with bold mid-range shots. He also created a decisive scoring opportunity with a through pass that completely exploited the space behind the defense. Of the 14th passes he attempted, 13 were accurately connected to teammates, resulting in an impressive success rate of 93%. Among these, he generated one clear chance and created one decisive scoring opportunity each.

Lee Kang-in's presence so captivated Spanish local media that it led directly to his unique perfect rating immediately after the match.

Immediately following the game, Marca awarded Lee Kang-in three stars (★), the only player from either team to receive a perfect score. Marca evaluates players and coaches based on the number of stars (0–3). The three stars given to Lee Kang-in represent a perfect score. Only Lee Kang-in received three stars that day. Alex Baena, who also came on as a substitute and scored the third goal, was awarded two stars.

Another media outlet, AS, gave the same rating. This publication evaluates performances based on the number of spades (0–3). Lee Kang-in was the only player on the field who collected all three spades that day. Most other Atlético Madrid players received one or two spades, while Ademola Lookman, who started as an attacker, received none despite his team's victory. Only Lee Kang-in earned a perfect score.

Local praise poured in. Marca stated, "Atlético Madrid struggled from the start against Málaga's tight defensive organization. Then, Lee Kang-in came on as a substitute in the second half, dribbled past defenders with skillful moves, and broke the deadlock with an incredible shot. The Metropolitano (Atlético Madrid's home stadium) has found a new hero."

AS also commented, "Lee Kang-in changed the game just 13 minutes after coming on as a substitute. His opening goal, which turned a frustrating flow into a victory, was fantastic. He reminded us of Antoine Griezmann, who wore number 7. Lee Kang-in is not merely a player who sells jerseys. His start at Atlético Madrid could not have been better."

Lee Kang-in will aim for back-to-back goals in the upcoming home match against Villarreal on the 23rd (midnight) in Round 2 of the Spanish La Liga. Given his unprecedented debut impact, his first-ever start after joining the club is highly anticipated.

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*This content was translated by AI.