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Atletico Madrid's Lee Kang-in (right) battles Barcelona's Raphinha for the ball during their Matchday 12 clash in the 2026–27 Spanish La Liga season at Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain, on Nov. 8, 2026. /AFP-Yonhap

Atletico Madrid saw their winning streak come to an end despite a strong performance from Lee Kang-in, suffering a 2-1 comeback defeat to Barcelona.

Atletico took an early lead against Barcelona in their Matchday 12 home fixture of the 2026–27 Spanish La Liga season at Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid on Sunday, but ultimately lost 2-1.

Atletico had won seven consecutive league matches and could have moved to the top of the table with a victory. However, the defeat left them in third place with 28 points from nine wins, one draw and two losses, behind Real Madrid on 30 points.

Barcelona, meanwhile, maintained their lead at the top of the standings with 33 points from 11 wins and one loss. 

Lee played a key role in Atletico's opening goal in the 10th minute with a clever switch of play.

After receiving the ball on the right side of the attacking half, Lee used the outside of his left foot to send a pass toward Julian Alvarez, who was making a run on the opposite flank.

Alvarez then delivered a fast, low ball across the face of goal from the left side of the penalty area, allowing Giuliano Simeone to rush in and score with his right foot.

Lee continued to look lively, including an attempt with his left foot from the right side of the penalty area in the 24th minute.

He played 60 minutes before being replaced by Alexander Sorloth in the 60th minute. 

Lee has appeared in 14 of Atletico's 15 competitive matches this season, including all 12 La Liga fixtures, starting 10 of them. He has recorded two goals and one assist in the league.

Atletico subsequently conceded an equalizer to Barcelona's Fermin Lopez in the 45th minute before he struck again in the 66th minute to complete the comeback.

The home defeat marked Atletico's second consecutive loss in all competitions, following their 2-0 defeat to German side Bayern Munich in their fourth UEFA Champions League league-phase match on Nov. 4. 

                                                                                                           Cho Seong-jun