*This content was translated by AI.View Original
A single pass by Lee Kang-in (25), the "ace" of the South Korean national football team, completely shook Manchester United's (England) defense. Local UK media also highlighted Lee Kang-in's role in Atletico Madrid's (Spain) opening goal sequence.
Atletico defeated Manchester United 2-0 in their second match of the 2026–2027 UEFA Champions League league phase, held on the 14th (Korean time) at Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain.
Lee Kang-in, who started the match, led the attack alongside Julian Alvarez and others. Atletico's formation was a 4-4-2.
Atletico scored the opening goal less than one minute into the match.
The attack began with Lee Kang-in. Receiving the ball behind the halfway line, Lee Kang-in delivered a precise through pass to Alex Baena, who was making an overlapping run down the left flank. A wide-open space lay ahead of Baena.
Baena controlled the ball and drove into the penalty box before passing it to Pablo Barrios, who was surging in from the opposite side. Barrios shot without hesitation, and the ball deflected off Manchester United defender Aidan Heaven into the net.
Local UK media strongly criticized the collapse of Manchester United's defense. The Guardian assessed, "In the opening goal sequence, no one from Manchester United was in their proper position."
Specifically regarding Lee Kang-in's pass, it explained, "Lee Kang-in's pass from the left sent Baena into completely empty space."
It further pointed out, "When Baena entered the penalty box, no one could stop him, and although Barrios was running in from the right, not a single Manchester United player tracked back."
Ultimately, Lee Kang-in's pass precisely targeted the gaps in Manchester United's defensive line, serving as the starting point for the opening goal.
The Guardian also assessed that Atletico moved the ball much faster and with greater confidence than Manchester United throughout the rest of the match's flow. It noted in particular that Manchester United failed to properly contain Barrios and Baena, continuously allowing them wide open space.
Lee Kang-in also displayed stable passing play. On this day, Lee Kang-in played for 61 minutes, completing 32 out of 35 passes for a 91% success rate. He completed two out of three long passes and recorded a total of 45 ball touches and one successful dribble. His rating from football statistics media outlet FotMob was 6.7.
Lee Kang-in was substituted off in the 16th minute of the second half, along with Barrios, who had scored the opening goal. As the two players left the pitch, home fans applauded them.
Atletico maintained their lead thereafter. In the 29th minute of the second half, Manchester United defender Leny Yoro was sent off for fouling Jonathan David during a final defensive situation.
With the numerical advantage, Atletico added another goal in the 34th minute of the second half. Ademola Lookman did not miss the chance, pushing in the ball after David's shot was blocked by the goalkeeper and deflected loose. Ultimately, Atletico secured a 2-0 victory.
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*This content was translated by AI.View Original
