*This content was translated by AI.
Even a powerhouse of the English Premier League (EPL), Atletico Madrid's key player, was well aware of Lee Kang-in (25). Some prominent Spanish outlets even pointed to the intense fouls Lee Kang-in endured as a reason for Atletico's defeat.
On the 10th (Korean time), Lee Kang-in started in the away match against Liverpool at Anfield in Liverpool, UK, for the UEFA Champions League (UCL) League Phase match 1 of the 2026–2027 season and played for 59 minutes.
On this day, despite Marcos Llorente's opening goal, Atletico conceded consecutive goals and lost 1-2, leaving them with a bitter taste in their mouths.
Spanish major media outlets took sharply divergent views on Lee Kang-in's performance. In particular, the Spanish outlet 'Mundo Deportivo' focused heavily on Lee Kang-in's performance, stating that "Liverpool players played too roughly against Lee Kang-in."
The outlet said, "Lee Kang-in was playing an excellent match. However, he had to leave the field due to a rough foul by the opponent that resembled a kick," and pointed out that "under referee Davide Massa's lenient officiating, Alexis Mac Allister, Virgil van Dijk, and Dominik Szoboszlai unleashed harsh tackles on Lee Kang-in."
Continuing, 'Mundo Deportivo' analyzed, "Lee Kang-in was one of the most noticeable players for Atletico in the early stages of the match. He played a key role when the team controlled possession. He constantly assisted Koke and Pablo Barrios, leading to the opening goal."
The outlet also noted, "Liverpool players, having spotted this, openly launched rough plays targeting Lee Kang-in. Starting with Mac Allister's studs-up tackle in the 28th minute of the first half, Van Dijk struck him from behind, even dislodging his football boot, and Szoboszlai followed a harsh tackle by striking Lee Kang-in's face."
They also expressed frustration over the referee's unusually lenient decisions. 'Mundo Deportivo' reported that "Marco Di Bello, the video assistant referee (VAR), remained silent as well, and Lee Kang-in's performance inevitably declined after being struck repeatedly."
On the other hand, some outlets offered a cold evaluation by pointing out mistakes. The Spanish outlet 'AS' stated, "Lee Kang-in was one of the most important players for Atletico in the first half. He even dropped down to the center-back position to initiate build-up play and helped Alex Baena receive the ball at a higher position," but added, "Although he showed tremendous work rate, he lost possession that led to Liverpool's equalizing goal. The overall flow worsened as the match progressed, and he was substituted when the team needed new energy."
The Spanish outlet 'El Desmarque' delivered an even harsher critique, awarding Lee Kang-in a failing grade of 4 points. The outlet said, "He showed delicacy in offensive link-up play, but it faded as time went on," and pointed out, "In particular, he lost possession in his own defensive zone, providing the opportunity for Liverpool's first equalizing goal, which ultimately led to him receiving a failing grade."
On this day, Lee Kang-in started alongside Alvarez and played for about 59 minutes until the 14th minute of the second half. The football statistics specialist outlet 'FootMob' awarded Lee Kang-in a rating of 6.1 points. According to the outlet, Lee Kang-in recorded an 89% pass success rate (25/28), a 100% long-pass success rate (3/3), one key pass, and two passes in the attacking zone, but did not record any shots.
The start was good. In the 17th minute of the first half, Llorente received Alvarez's penetrating pass and calmly scored the opening goal with a left-footed chip shot.
In the 26th minute of the first half, Lee Kang-in skillfully evaded the opponent's pressure with fluid dribbling and then connected a sharp switching pass to Juliano Simeone on the left side.
A turnover near the end of the first half led to a painful goal. In the 40th minute of the first half, Bradley Barcola's shot was blocked by goalkeeper Oblak, and Ronald Araujo passed the loose ball, which Szoboszlai turned into an equalizing goal. In the 5th minute of the second half, he also conceded a left-footed non-stop mid-range goal that put Liverpool ahead from Mac Allister. Coach Simeone substituted Lee Kang-in and Koke for Grimaldo and Lukman in the 14th minute of the second half, but could not turn the match around.
Atletico, which had scored the opening goal in their last 13 UCL matches and shown strong form with 10 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss, ultimately collapsed 1-2 despite holding a high 71% possession rate late in the second half without managing to open the net. Lee Kang-in, who had suffered from intense focused fouls by the opponent during the away match at Anfield, also concluded his first Champions League match with a bitter comeback defeat.
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*This content was translated by AI.
