'Fantastical outfront pass'! Lee Kang-in tears through Barcelona's defense with a killer pass, setting up the opening goal... ATM level at 1-1 at halftime

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Lee Kang-in (25, Atletico Madrid)'s fantastic outfront pass instantly dismantled Barcelona's defensive line.

Atletico was leading 1-0 at halftime in its home match against Barcelona on the morning of the 19th (Korean time) at Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain, in Round 12 of the 2026-2027 Spanish La Liga season.

Manager Diego Simeone deployed a 4-4-2 formation. Lee Kang-in and Julian Alvarez started as the front two, with Giuliano Simeone, Koke, Pablo Barrios, and Alex Baena positioned in the second line. The back four consisted of Alejandro Grimaldo, David Hancko, Marc Pubill, and Marcos Llorente. Jan Oblak guarded the goal.

Visiting Barcelona countered with a 4-3-3 formation. Raphinha, Anthony Gordon, and Lamine Yamal formed the front three. The midfield was composed of Marc Bernal, Fermín Lopez, and Pedri. The back four was made up of Gerard Martin, Pau Cubarsi, Joao Cancelo, and Bryan Gil. Joan Garcia donned the goalkeeper gloves.

Lee Kang-in's sharp passing stood out from the early stages of the match. In the 4th minute of the first half, Lee Kang-in threaded a penetrating pass to Llorente, who was making a run into the space behind the defense. Although Llorente immediately delivered a cross upon receiving the ball, it was blocked by the defense and did not lead to the next attack.

Both teams struck the goal frame once each, heating up the atmosphere from the start. In the 6th minute of the first half, Pubill's header from a corner kick hit the top of the crossbar and bounced out.

A minute later, Barcelona immediately struck the goal frame in response. Pedri, who received a pass from Yamal near the penalty line, curled a powerful shot with his left foot that hit the goal frame.

Atletico emerged as the winner of the early tense standoff. Lee Kang-in's fantastic penetrating pass served as the catalyst for the opening goal. In the 9th minute of the first half, Lee Kang-in, who had the ball on the right flank, threaded a long outfront pass to Alvarez on the opposite side. Alvarez quickly passed the ball toward the center, and Simeone, who was surging forward, finished with a one-touch shot.

Lee Kang-in's first shot came in the 24th minute of the first half. After receiving the ball on the right side of the box, Lee Kang-in shook off the defender and fired a powerful low shot with his left foot, but it went straight to the goalkeeper.

Barcelona, which had been trailing, equalized. In the 45th minute of the first half, Lopez immediately shot a ball that deflected off Pubill inside the box, shaking the net.

The first half ended 1-1 amidst a fierce atmosphere and back-and-forth exchanges.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original