'Amazing' Lee Kang-in's golden left foot topples Real Madrid, praised by Spanish media: "The winning goal started from LEE's toe"

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Kang-in (25) is emerging as a definitive ace for Atlético Madrid. His outstanding performance, which set the stage for a decisive goal in the intense Madrid derby, helped propel the team's upward momentum.

On the 20th at 11:15 p.m. (Korean time), Atlético defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in their home match of the 7th round of the 2026–2027 Spanish La Liga, held at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain.

Starting the match that day, Lee Kang-in ran across the field for 89 minutes, directing Atlético's offense from the front. In particular, during the first half when Atlético's attack was struggling to create chances, Lee Kang-in shone by using his individual skills to break through Real Madrid's defense.

Following the match, local media offered a wave of praise. Spanish outlet 'El Desmarque' gave Lee Kang-in a rating of 7 points. The publication stated, "Lee Kang-in boldly attempted long-range shots and created multiple dangerous opportunities with highly precise dribbling. Atlético's second goal also started from Lee Kang-in's toe."

Football statistics platform 'FootMob' also awarded Lee Kang-in a high score of 7.2 points. According to FootMob, Lee Kang-in recorded an 84% pass completion rate (49/58) over 89 minutes. He registered one effective shot, one key pass, three passes in the attacking zone, one long pass (100%), and one accurate cross (50%). In defense, he made four ball recoveries and two tackles, demonstrating standout performances on both ends of the field.

Starting as an attacking midfielder in the second line within a 3-4-2-1 formation that day, Lee Kang-in displayed agile footwork and sharp kicking ability throughout the match. In the 15th minute of the first half, he shook the opposing defense with a precise left-footed cross aimed at Jonathan David penetrating into the box. In the 20th minute, he also showed active defensive involvement by blocking Kylian Mbappé's ball.

Lee Kang-in's brilliant sense of play shone in the second half. Atlético took a 1-0 lead when Alejandro Grimaldo converted a penalty kick awarded in the 4th minute of the second half following Dean Huijsen's dismissal. Then, in the 11th minute of the second half, Lee Kang-in boosted the atmosphere by directly aiming at the goal with a threatening left-footed long-range shot.

In the 16th minute of the second half, he personally orchestrated the decisive goal. Lee Kang-in delivered a sharp through pass that broke through the defensive line. Julian Simón received the ball and crossed it into the box, where David finished to score an additional goal. It was a perfect setup created by Lee Kang-in's wide vision and precise passing timing.

Lee Kang-in, who effectively served as the link between offense and defense, was substituted out in the 44th minute of the second half to the applause of home fans. Although Atlético conceded a consolation goal from Antonio Rüdiger during stoppage time, they held on to their lead until the end, securing a 2-1 victory.

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*This content was translated by AI.