ATM manager's son is the 'light,' while Lee Kang-in is the 'shadow'... Spain's local media apply a 'cold standard': "The manager gave him a chance, but he failed to make the most of it"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Despite Lee Kang-in (25, Atletico Madrid) playing a pivotal role in setting up the opening goal and putting in a valiant effort, he could not escape harsh criticism from local media outlets. In contrast, other attacking options received favorable reviews, creating a stark contrast with Lee Kang-in.

Atletico suffered a 1-2 comeback defeat on the 9th (Korean time) against Barcelona at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain, in the home match of the 12th round of the 2026~2027 season Spanish La Liga. Lee Kang-in, who started as part of the front-line duo, played a key role in Julian Simeone's opening goal by delivering a sharp outfront kill pass to Alvarez in the 9th minute of the first half.

Lee Kang-in played for approximately 60 minutes until being substituted for Sorloth in the 15th minute of the second half, recording an 89% pass success rate and one shot. However, immediately after Lee Kang-in left the field, Atletico lost its attacking thread and collapsed, conceding a comeback goal to Fermin Lopez in the 21st minute of the second half.

Despite this valiant effort, Spanish media outlet 'Relevo' published an article on the 9th titled "The Light and Shadow of a Gloomy Week," analyzing the team's two-game losing streak and delivering a cold assessment of Lee Kang-in.

The outlet classified Pablo Barrios and Julian Simeone as the 'light,' while categorizing Lee Kang-in, Alexander Sorloth, and Julian Alvarez as the 'shadow.'

First, the outlet highly praised Barrios and Julian. Regarding Barrios, it commended him for "recording a 100% pass success rate and winning nine out of 14 duels, serving as the focal point of the team until his substitution." It also gave high praise to winger Julian, who scored the opening goal, stating that he "won 11 out of 17 duels and made five successful tackles. With his vigorous activity level, he shed the label of 'the manager's son.'"

In contrast, Lee Kang-in was cited as the most prominent example of poor form. Relevo pointed out, "Manager Diego Simeone gave Lee Kang-in another chance, but he failed to fully return to the form he displayed in the early league matches of this season."

It continued, "Lee Kang-in did not exert a significant influence on the pitch. While there were a few good moments, he lacked the appearance of engaging more actively in the game," emphasizing that "Atletico wants more attacking flashes from Lee Kang-in."

In addition, the outlet urged Alvarez and Sorloth to strive harder after they missed decisive one-on-one scoring opportunities. It also explained that the absence of defensive key player Cristian Romero led to build-up instability and a losing streak.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original