'Lee Kang-in strikes the post in just 3 minutes → 58 minutes of silence': Atletico suffers shocking 0-3 defeat to Bilbao... first loss after four opening games

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Kang-in (25) fought hard after striking the goalpost with a decisive shot just three minutes into the match, but Atletico Madrid conceded consecutive goals immediately after the second half began, suffering their first loss of the season.

On the 5th at 11:15 p.m. (Korean time), Atletico lost 0-3 in an away match against Athletic Bilbao in the fourth round of the 2026–2027 Spanish Primera Liga held at Estadio de San Mamés in Bilbao, Spain.

Atletico, who had remained undefeated with two wins and one draw in their first three matches after the season opener, recorded their first loss of the season in four games, bringing their record to two wins, one draw, and one loss for seven points. Meanwhile, Bilbao, who had lost their first two opening matches before securing a win, achieved back-to-back victories (two losses, six points) by defeating a strong opponent at home.

Head coach Diego Simeone fielded Lee Kang-in and Ademola Lookman as the front-line striking duo for the match. The midfield consisted of Alex Baena, Morten Hjulmand, Pablo Barrios, and Julian Simeone, while the defensive line was formed by Alex Grimaldo, David Hancko, Marc Pubill, and Marcos Llorente. Jan Oblak guarded the goal.

In the first half, Lee Kang-in was the most dazzling attacker for Atletico. Just three minutes into the match, Lee Kang-in nearly exploded with a shot. Receiving a pass from Pablo Barrios on the right side of the goal, Lee Kang-in curled a precise right-footed shot that struck the left post and bounced out. Even Lee Kang-in, who was certain of scoring given the perfect trajectory, could not hide his deep disappointment, covering his mouth with both hands.

Another decisive opportunity arose from Lee Kang-in's foot in the 23rd minute of the first half. Lee Kang-in completely drew the attention of Bilbao's defense and delivered a delicate pass to Baena on the right flank. Baena immediately connected with a right-footed shot, but it was saved by goalkeeper Unai Simon.

In the 40th minute of the first half, Lee Kang-in broke through the right flank alone with an elegant dribble and attempted a left-footed shot, but the ball hit a defender's head. Pablo Barrios' shot in stoppage time also struck the right post, and Atletico ended the first half at 0-0.

Atletico's momentum collapsed sharply as soon as the second half began. Just 37 seconds into the second half, Nico Williams headed the deflected ball into the goal after it hit the Atletico defense, scoring the opening goal. The goal was confirmed after review by video assistant referee (VAR).

Buoyed by their lead, Bilbao extended their advantage to 2-0 in the third minute of the second half. Robert Navarro received a quick counterattack pass from Iñaki Williams, completely exploited the space behind Atletico's defense, and calmly finished with a left-footed shot into the bottom-left corner of the goal.

As the situation grew dire, coach Simeone threw a tactical gamble in the 13th minute of the second half by making four substitutions simultaneously. He brought on Lee Kang-in, Lookman, Julian Simeone, and Hjulmand, while introducing Julian Alvarez, Cristian Romero, Arnau Ortiz, and Koke all at once.

After the extensive substitutions, Atletico's attack gradually regained momentum. In the 26th minute of the second half, Alvarez's left-footed turning shot from directly in front of the penalty arc was saved by goalkeeper Unai Simon, and Ortiz's follow-up header also missed the goal. In the 31st minute, Johnny Cardoso was brought on to replace Baena as Atletico sought a consolation goal.

Bilbao, leading by two goals, significantly increased their defensive numbers. Lacking a tall striker in the front line, Atletico faced extreme difficulty in attacking inside the box and could not break through Bilbao's deeply entrenched, compact defense.

A third goal was scored in the 45th minute of the second half. Once again, Atletico's defense collapsed instantly in behind, and Oihan Sancet rushed toward the goal and finished with a right-footed shot. The match ended without any further goals, concluding with Bilbao's commanding 3-0 victory.

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*This content was translated by AI.