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On August 19 (local time), Lee Kang-in of Atlético Madrid, wearing the number 7 shirt—the hallmark of an ace—made a strong impression in the Spanish professional football La Liga season opener against Málaga by scoring the winning goal just 13 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute. This return goal marked Lee Kang-in's first in about three years and three months since scoring against Athletic Bilbao while playing for Mallorca in May 2023. / EPA, Yonhap

Lee Kang-in, wearing the number 7 shirt for Atlético Madrid, made a spectacular debut by netting the winning goal in his return to Spanish professional football's La Liga. Although he started on the bench rather than in the starting eleven, he created the match-deciding goal just 13 minutes after coming on, leaving a strong impression on manager Diego Simeone.

Lee came on as a second-half substitute in the 2026-2027 season La Liga round 1 home opener against Málaga at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain, on August 19 (local time), leading his team to a 2-0 victory.

With Atlético trapped in a frustrating 0-0 stalemate, Lee was brought on in the 12th minute of the second half. As soon as he stepped onto the pitch, he moved expansively across the front line, deep midfield, and right flank, breathing energy into the attack.

After warming up his boots with a bold left-footed long-range attempt from about 30 meters out in the 14th minute of the second half, Lee targeted the goal again six minutes later with a curling left-footed shot near the penalty arc. Then, in the 25th minute of the second half, he delivered a fantastic game-winner.

Receiving a pass from Dávid Hancko on the right, Lee quickly sliced through three opposing defenders. He then unleashed his signature left-footed curler from the right side of the penalty arc, sending the ball into an unstoppable spot beyond the goalkeeper's reach. It was the breakthrough winner produced just 13 minutes after his substitution.

This marked Lee's first La Liga goal in three years and three months, since scoring against Athletic Bilbao in May 2023 during his time with Mallorca. After departing Mallorca and spending three seasons at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) gaining experience in France and top-flight European competition, Lee immediately proved his presence in his first La Liga match back in an Atlético shirt.

Atlético sealed a convincing 2-0 victory with Álex Baena's free-kick goal in the 40th minute of the second half. Lee was named the match's Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Having joined the pre-season late, Lee clearly demonstrated his competitive edge after coming off the bench in the opener. Beyond scoring, he altered the flow of the attack by aggressively escaping pressure, delivering passes, and executing high pressing. In the 29th minute of the second half, he even generated an additional scoring opportunity with a sharp pass.

This serves as a positive signal in the competition for a starting spot. Having produced the winning goal from match one, manager Simeone now has ample reason to gradually expand Lee's playing time. His versatility to cover attacking midfield as well as the flanks and forward line represents an attractive asset for Atlético over a long campaign.

Of course, it is still too early to view his starting spot as secured. Adapting fully to Atlético's high-intensity pressing, defensive contributions, and tactical discipline takes time. Seemingly mindful of this, Lee expressed his intention to sharpen his physical conditioning after the match, saying, "I still need to raise my match fitness."

"We knew the opening matches are extremely important," he remarked. "It is also true that training was a bit lacking because many players returned late from the World Cup, but I am very happy we were able to secure the win." He added, "I will continue to work hard for the next match to reach my best condition."

He also remained modest regarding the MVP award. "I still need to improve my match fitness, but I believe both the team and I will get better if I keep putting in the effort," Lee said. "I hope to deliver many points and secure victories."

Lee's goal declared at his unveiling was to win every competition. At the starting point in the La Liga opener, he has already collected his first goal and victory. Proving the star power that comes with Atlético's number 7 shirt, Lee left a striking impression on the Spanish stage. Attention is now growing around when manager Simeone will deploy Lee as a regular starter.

                                                                                                         Cheon Hyun-bin