'Lee Kang-in: 62 minutes, 3 key passes' — Atlético beat Espanyol 1-0 for a blistering fifth straight win
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- 2026-10-17 23:28:12
- Updated
- 2026-10-17 23:28:12
[Financial News] Atlético Madrid (ATM) beat Espanyol thanks to a dramatic late winner from Alex Baena, closing in on leaders Barcelona.
■ Lee Kang-in shines in a 'free role' ... most key passes of either team, with 3
ATM earned a hard-fought 1-0 away win over Espanyol in the ninth round of the 2026-27 La Liga season at RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on the 17th (Korea time). Lee Kang-in, who started as an attacking midfielder, showed off his trademark ability to escape pressure and his passing skills over 62 minutes, until he was substituted in the 17th minute of the second half.
Although he did not add to his goal contributions, Lee recorded a 93% pass completion rate, two shots (one on target) and three key passes, the most by any player on either team. After producing a sharp long-range effort in the 19th minute of the first half, he set up Marcos Llorente for a surprise long-range shot with a deft backheel pass in the 16th minute of the second half. The shot brushed the goalkeeper's fingertips before crashing off the crossbar, narrowly denying Lee an assist. He also received a yellow card for a rough foul in the 43rd minute of the first half. Soccer statistics outlet Sofascore gave Lee a rating of 7.1. He has two goals and one assist in the league this season.
■ Substitute Baena scores winner as ATM surge to six straight wins in all competitions
Despite dominating possession with 71% and unleashing 19 shots, ATM struggled against Espanyol's defensive wall. Manager Diego Simeone's substitutions proved decisive. Baena, brought on for Lee Kang-in in the 17th minute of the second half, received a pass from Julián Álvarez directly in front of the penalty arc in the 44th minute and found the net with a sharp right-footed shot. Baena, scorer of the winner, received the highest rating of either team, an 8.1.
With this win, second-place ATM extended its winning streak to five in the league and six in all competitions, improving its record to seven wins, one draw and one loss (22 points) and cutting the gap to leaders Barcelona, who have played one game fewer, to two points (24 points). Meanwhile, Espanyol, winless in four league matches (one draw, three losses), slipped to 12th place (8 points).
[email protected] Park Ji-hyun Reporter