Only the official announcement remains for Lee Kang-in, and his debut opponent is Malaga... A Madrid derby awaits in September

[Financial News] The stage is set for a thrilling revenge story that could erase the bitter frustration Lee Kang-in felt over his rotation role at Paris Saint-Germain Football Club (PSG). The South Korean ace, who is on the verge of joining Spanish powerhouse Atlético Madrid, will open the 2026-27 LaLiga season against promoted side Malaga.
The La Liga Secretariat officially announced the schedule for the upcoming 2026-27 regular season on the 1st, Korea time. The season will kick off on Aug. 16 and run through May 30 next year, with each team facing a grueling 38-match campaign. Exact dates and kickoff times will be confirmed later, but the full slate from Round 1 to Round 38 is already in place.
Atlético Madrid, widely expected to become Lee Kang-in's new club, will host Malaga at Riyadh Air Metropolitano in the opening round. For Lee, who is preparing to return to Spain after finishing his World Cup duties, it is an ideal debut opportunity to make an attacking impact against a newly promoted side from the second division.

The schedule for the Madrid derby that fans are most eager to see has also been set. Atlético Madrid will host Real Madrid Club de Fútbol (Real Madrid) in September for the first Madrid derby of the season, then travel to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for the return match in April next year. Against another giant, Futbol Club Barcelona, they will meet at home in November and away in February next year. All eyes are on whether Lee Kang-in can emerge as a tactical key figure for Diego Simeone against some of the world's best teams.
There are also some familiar faces waiting on the calendar. Lee will face Valencia Club de Fútbol (Valencia CF), the club where he first stepped onto the professional stage after coming through the youth ranks, in December and again in May next year. Mallorca, where he shone before leaving for PSG, finished 18th last season and were relegated, so they will not be in the top flight this season.


The transfer is now effectively in its final stages. After leaving Mallorca for PSG in 2023, Lee Kang-in lifted numerous trophies, including the remarkable feat of winning back-to-back UEFA Champions League titles. But behind the glittering silverware was the shadow of severely limited playing time. In the end, Lee's desire for more minutes and Atlético Madrid's admiration for his talent aligned perfectly. Spain's Marca reported, "Atlético Madrid is expected to officially announce Lee Kang-in's signing within this week," putting the deal all but beyond doubt.
There is no need to stay on the bench any longer. Lee Kang-in, who knows the rhythm of Spanish football better than most, is already being awaited for the Aug. 16 opener, where he is expected to soar in Atlético Madrid's red-and-white shirt.
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter