'94%+Pass Success Rate + Fantastic Assist' Lee Kang-in, Again Showered with Praise from Spanish Local Media: "Perfectly Adapted to Atletico... Key Attacker"

*This content was translated by AI.

The praise has been relentless. Lee Kang-in (25), who transferred to Atlético Madrid, recorded another fantastic attacking contribution in his third match since joining the club, earning glowing reviews from major Spanish media outlets.

On the 30th at 4:30 a.m. Korean time, Lee Kang-in started and played 72 minutes in the away match against Sevilla at Estadio Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán in Seville, Spain, during Round 3 of the 2026–2027 La Liga season, recording one assist.

With Lee Kang-in's outstanding performance, Atlético Madrid secured a decisive 3-1 victory over Sevilla, moving to the top of the league table alone with three unbeaten matches in the opening round (two wins and one draw, seven points). Sevilla finished fifth with two wins and one loss (six points).

Following the match, Spanish local media poured out praise. The Spanish outlet 'AS' stated, "There are no No. 9s (pure strikers), but there are No. 10s (playmakers)," and lauded the midfield quartet of Lee Kang-in, Alex Baena, Pablo Barrios, and Morten Hjulmand as a "fantastic square."

The outlet further added, "Lee Kang-in recorded his first assist and gained freedom with Morten Hjulmand's defensive support. He showed a very comfortable and brilliant performance on the right flank."

Another Spanish media outlet, 'El Desmarque,' awarded Lee Kang-in a rating of 7 points, stating, "The Korean player has perfectly settled into Atlético." It continued, "Following his fantastic goal against Málaga last time, he assisted Baena's opening goal this time to record his first assist. He has fully boosted his confidence and is exerting a leading influence in Atlético with consistently aggressive play."

Football statistics platform 'FootMob' also gave Lee Kang-in the highest rating of 8.0 points, citing his 94% pass success rate (30/32), one major chance created, one key pass, three successful dribbles, 100% long-pass success rate (2/2), and seven won ball duels.

As a result, Lee Kang-in has been receiving daily praise from Spanish local media since his transfer to Atlético. Previously, 'AS' had praised him immediately after Round 2's match against Villarreal: "Lee Kang-in, who secured his starting spot thanks to his performance against Málaga, brought a lot to the team." It added, "Not only did he actively participate in defense after losing possession, but he also excelled in forward pressing, agile turns, and defensive coverage. Every time he received the ball, he demonstrated infinite possibilities at his feet and threatened opponents with LINE-breaking passes reminiscent of Antoine Griezmann."

Lee Kang-in, deployed as a right-sided attacker against Sevilla, lit up the game just four minutes into the match. In the fourth minute of the first half, Lee Kang-in calmly collected the ball in the opponent's half and delivered a precise pass, which Baena finished with a right-footed shot from a difficult angle to score the opening goal. After video assistant referee (VAR) review, the goal was officially recognized, completing Lee Kang-in's first assist since joining Atlético.

Lee Kang-in also played a decisive linking role in the process of additional goals. In the 26th minute of the first half, during a passing sequence involving 22 passes starting from the back, Lee Kang-in exchanged passes with Barrios, made an intrusion into the center to open space, and set up Ademola Lookman, who scored by shaking the net. Shortly after, in the 33rd minute, Baena added another goal following a pass from Marcos Llorente, allowing Atlético to end the first half with a commanding 3-0 lead.

Sevilla attempted a comeback when Miguel Sierra scored a consolation goal in the 22nd minute of the second half, but Atlético solidified their position by substituting captain Koke for Lee Kang-in, who had played both offense and defense for 72 minutes, in the 27th minute of the second half, ultimately securing a 3-1 victory and three league points.

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*This content was translated by AI.