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'Struck the post in a moment of despair,' Lee Kang-in is out after 58 minutes... 'Collapse' as Atletico suffers consecutive shocking goals, falling 0-2

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Lee Kang-in takes a right-footed shot during the fourth round of the 2026–2027 Spanish La Liga match held at Estadio de San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, on the 5th at 11:15 p.m. (Korean time). /Photo=Atletico Madrid official social networking service (SNS)
Lee Kang-in takes a right-footed shot during the fourth round of the 2026–2027 Spanish La Liga match held at Estadio de San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, on the 5th at 11:15 p.m. (Korean time). /Photo=Atletico Madrid official social networking service (SNS)

Lee Kang-in (25, Atletico Madrid) fought hard, showcasing a decisive shot that struck the post and creating sharp chances. However, Atletico collapsed after conceding consecutive goals right at the start of the second half.

On the 5th at 11:15 p.m. (Korean time), Atletico was trailing Athletic Bilbao 0-2 in the fourth round of the 2026–2027 Spanish La Liga away match held at Estadio de San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain, as they entered the second half.

Head coach Diego Simeone fielded Lee Kang-in and Ademola Lookman as a striking duo up front. The midfield consisted of Alex Baena, Morten Hjulmand, Pablo Barrios, and Julian Simeone. The defensive backline was formed by Alex Grimaldo, David Hancko, Marc Pubill, and Marcos Llorente. Jan Oblak wore the goalkeeper gloves.

Lee Kang-in was the sole player directing Atletico's attack in the first half. The most decisive moment came in the third minute. After receiving the ball on the right side of the goal, Lee Kang-in struck a perfectly placed right-footed shot that hit Bilbao's left post and bounced out. Even Lee Kang-in, who had sensed a goal, covered his mouth with his hands, swallowing deep regret.

Atletico Madrid players including Lee Kang-in (center). /Photo=Atletico Madrid official social networking service (SNS)
Atletico Madrid players including Lee Kang-in (center). /Photo=Atletico Madrid official social networking service (SNS)

In the 23rd minute of the first half, Lee Kang-in completely drew the attention of the opposing defense and delivered a precise pass to Baena on the right flank. It was an opportunity that perfectly opened up shooting angles for Baena, but it was blocked by goalkeeper Unai Simon's save. Later, in the 40th minute, Lee Kang-in broke through the defense with a solo dribble from the right side and connected with a left-footed shot, only to be stopped by the opposing defense's physical blockades.

The tense momentum shifted sharply toward Bilbao immediately after the start of the second half. Just 37 seconds into the second half, Nico Williams headed in a deflected ball off an Atletico defender to score the opening goal. Riding this momentum, Bilbao extended their lead to 2-0 in the third minute of the second half when Robert Navarro completely exploited the space behind Atletico's defense and curled a left-footed shot into the far left corner of the goal.

Desperate after conceding consecutive goals, Atletico brought on four substitutes all at once in the 13th minute of the second half. Lee Kang-in, along with Lookman, Simeone, and Hjulmand, were substituted off, while Julian Alvarez, Cristian Romero, Arnau Ortiz, and Koke came on simultaneously to launch an all-out offensive push.

Lee Kang-in (left) celebrates after scoring his debut goal for Atletico Madrid in his debut match. /Photo=Atletico Madrid official social networking service (SNS)
Lee Kang-in (left) celebrates after scoring his debut goal for Atletico Madrid in his debut match. /Photo=Atletico Madrid official social networking service (SNS)
Lee Kang-in runs after scoring his debut goal for Atletico Madrid in the first round of the Spanish La Liga against Malaga. /Photo=Atletico Madrid official social networking service (SNS)
Lee Kang-in runs after scoring his debut goal for Atletico Madrid in the first round of the Spanish La Liga against Malaga. /Photo=Atletico Madrid official social networking service (SNS)

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original

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