Is This Really the Same Lee Kang-in Who Used to Sit on the Bench? Hits the Post, Key Role in Equalizer... Positive Signs in PSG’s Starting Lineup Battle
- Input
- 2025-10-19 10:43:44
- Updated
- 2025-10-19 10:43:44
Lee Kang-in, the key midfielder for the national football team, made an immediate impact for Paris Saint-Germain Football Club (PSG) upon returning to his club after a demanding two-match international break, rescuing PSG from the brink of defeat.
On the 18th (Korean time), PSG fought to a hard-earned 3-3 draw against Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace at their home stadium, Parc des Princes, in the 2025-2026 Ligue 1 Round 8. With this result, PSG accumulated 17 points (5 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss) and managed to retain the top spot in the standings.
Lee started the match and played the full 90 minutes, marking his third consecutive league start and second straight full match—clear signs of his growing importance. This is a stark contrast to last year, when he was mostly on the bench and surrounded by transfer rumors.
PSG took an early lead in the 6th minute through Bradley Barcola, but conceded two goals in the first half and another early in the second, falling behind 1-3 to Racing Club de Strasbourg Alsace.
Facing a crisis, PSG began their comeback with tactical substitutions by manager Luis Enrique. In the 58th minute, Gonçalo Ramos converted a penalty, narrowing the deficit to 2-3.
Lee Kang-in’s sharp attacking instincts shone in the latter stages. In the 72nd minute, he unleashed a powerful left-footed shot from just outside the penalty arc, only to see it crash against the right post—missing out on his first league goal of the season. Despite the missed opportunity, Lee remained undeterred. In the 78th minute, his precise free-kick cross set up a header for Ramos, but the attempt narrowly missed the target.
Ultimately, Lee Kang-in rescued his team from defeat. In the 79th minute, he delivered a clever pass from the right side of the penalty area to Senny Mayulu, whose shot was parried by the goalkeeper. Mayulu followed up with a header to level the score at 3-3. Lee’s intelligent pass was the catalyst for the equalizer.
Thanks to Lee Kang-in’s performance and the crucial equalizer, PSG avoided defeat and secured a hard-fought draw.
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter