Atlético's Lee Kang-in scores winning goal in debut, showing star power in top league

South Korean star Lee Kang-in made an immediate and impactful debut for Atlético Madrid, scoring the decisive goal in their 2-0 victory against Málaga in the opening match of the 2026-2027 La Liga season. The midfielder, wearing the iconic number 7 jersey, needed just 13 minutes after entering the game in the second half to find the back of the net.

Introduced in the 57th minute, Lee showcased his skill by dribbling past three defenders before curling a precise left-footed shot into the far corner of the goal. The strike ignited the home crowd and visibly pleased manager Diego Simeone. Lee's performance demonstrated a shift from his previous role, where he often played as a winger or support player, to a more assertive goal-scoring threat.

Beyond his goal, Lee displayed strong work ethic, contributing to defensive pressure and tracking back to support the team's defense. His presence seemed to energize the Atlético Madrid squad, which had struggled to break down Málaga's defense. The team secured their win with a second goal from Alex Baena via a free-kick later in the second half.

Lee's debut was statistically impressive, with a 93% pass success rate and one goal from three shots. He was named the player of the match, signaling a promising start to his La Liga career. Steve Kim, a correspondent for Hankyoreh, observed that Lee's performance left a "strong impression" on the home fans and solidified his position as a key player for Atlético Madrid.

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Lee Kang-in left a strong impression on the home fans. Fans had high expectations since his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, and by leading the team to victory with a spectacular mid-range shot in the opening match, it seems Lee will be firmly established as a central player for Atlético Madrid.