“Football Master Proven in 33 Minutes”: Lee Kang-in Creates Three Chances Despite Coming Off the Bench… Atletico Madrid Secures 2-1 Victory Over Deportivo Alaves with Romero’s Late Goal

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Lee Kang-in (25), who returned to Atletico Madrid after representing the South Korean national team, contributed to his club’s dramatic victory.

On the 10th (Korean time), at Estadio de Mendizorroza in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, Atletico defeated Deportivo Alaves 2-1 in an away match of the 8th round of the 2026–2027 Spanish La Liga. Extending their winning streak to four consecutive victories, Atletico climbed to 19 points (6 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss), closing the gap to second-place leader Barcelona (21 points) to just two points.

Lee Kang-in started the match on the bench. Due to the aftermath of an ankle injury sustained in the national team’s match against Uzbekistan on the 6th, he was left out of the starting lineup for the first time in eight matches since the La Liga Round 1 game against Malaga. However, with the score tied at 1-1 in the 12th minute of the second half, Manager Diego Simeone made a tactical move by substituting Pablo Barrios for Lee Kang-in.

Positioned wide on the right flank, Lee Kang-in opened up attacking avenues with his characteristic ability to escape pressure and precise passing. When direct breakthroughs were difficult, he disrupted the opposing defense with through balls to teammates making runs into space. Notably, in the 28th minute of the second half, he delivered a sharp early cross toward the head of Alexander Sørloth, a 195cm tall striker who had just come on as a substitute, creating a threatening scene. In the 34th minute of the second half, he exchanged fluid one-two passes with Koke and made runs into the penalty area, displaying agile movement.

According to football statistics provider “FootMob,” Lee Kang-in played for approximately 33 minutes that day and recorded a total of three chance creations. Despite his limited playing time, he supplied three decisive passes capable of leading directly to goals, proving himself as a key playmaker within the team.

Additionally, he recorded an 85% pass success rate (22 out of 26 successful), a 67% cross success rate (2 out of 3 successful), and three touches inside the opponent’s penalty box, earning a rating of 7.2 points. In particular, he did not lose possession even once (zero turnovers), further demonstrating his characteristic stable ball control.

The match ended with a dramatic victory for Atletico. Alejandro Grimaldo scored the opening goal in the 33rd minute of the first half after receiving a pass from Jonathan David, but Lucas Boye converted a penalty kick awarded in stoppage time following a foul by Robin Le Normand to equalize the score.

A turning point occurred in the second half. In the 16th minute, Alaves’ Angel Perez was sent off directly for a harsh tackle. Gaining a numerical advantage, Atletico launched an all-out attack, and eventually, in the 42nd minute of the second half, Christian Romero headed in a cross from Alex Baena to seal a 2-1 victory.

Lee Kang-in, who completely dispelled injury concerns, is preparing for his next appearance on the 14th in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) League Phase second match against Manchester United at home.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original