"Bench vs. Bayern Munich → Likely starter vs. Barcelona" Lee Kang-in, tested directly by Simeone... Providing attacking support behind Alvarez

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

The likelihood of Lee Kang-in (25) starting in the upcoming big match against Barcelona has increased for Spanish La Liga side Atletico Madrid.

Atletico will face Barcelona in a home game for Matchday 12 of the 2026-2027 Spanish La Liga season at Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain, at 5:00 a.m. (KST) on the 9th.

Amid this, local Spanish media predicted Lee Kang-in would start. The Spanish outlet AS reported, "Koke will return to the starting lineup, and Lee Kang-in will support Julian Alvarez in attack."

This is not merely speculation. According to reports, Atletico manager Diego Simeone placed Lee Kang-in in the starting group during training sessions prepared for the Barcelona match to review tactics.

AS stated, "Atletico held a training session ahead of the Barcelona match," adding, "Manager Simeone tested his expected starting lineup. Notably, Koke's return to the starting XI and Lee Kang-in's inclusion as a starter are key points. Lee Kang-in will take on the role of supporting Alvarez in attack."

The outlet further explained in detail, "In midfield, Koke and Pablo Barrios will be responsible for controlling the game, while Julian Simeone and Alex Baena will be deployed on the flanks," noting, "Lee Kang-in will position himself directly behind Alvarez."

It added, "Atletico's only absentee is Cuti Romero," stating, "Manager Simeone can utilize all players except Cuti, giving him various options in constructing the starting lineup."

Football statistics specialist FootMob also included Lee Kang-in in its predicted starting lineup for the Barcelona match. Like AS, it anticipated that Lee Kang-in would form part of the attacking line alongside Alvarez. Atletico's expected formation was 4-4-2.

This could be an important opportunity for Lee Kang-in as well. Previously, Lee Kang-in was not included in the starting lineup for the most recent match on the 4th against Bayern Munich (Germany) in Matchday 4 of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) league phase.

Although he came on as a substitute in the second half and stepped onto the pitch, he failed to exert significant influence in attack. Atletico also suffered a 0-2 defeat to Munich, leaving a sense of regret. For Lee Kang-in, this is an opportunity to seek redemption against powerhouse Barcelona.

This is also an important match for Atletico. Currently in La Liga, Barcelona leads with 10 wins and 1 loss (30 points). Atletico is chasing from second place with 9 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss (28 points), trailing by two points.

If Atletico wins this matchup, they will record 31 points and can overtake Barcelona to take the top spot in the league. It is a must-win battle for both teams where neither can afford to back down.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original