Lee Kang-in Scores on Debut, Says He Will 'Work Harder to Reach Peak Condition'

Lee Kang-in, who led his team to victory by scoring on his debut for Spanish professional football club Atletico Madrid, repeatedly emphasized that he will continue to improve.

Lee came on as a second-half substitute in the opening match of the 2026–2027 La Liga season against Malaga, held at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain, on the 20th (Korean time), netting the opening and winning goal with a sharp left-footed shot to spearhead Atletico's 2-0 victory.

It is a "dream start" for Lee.

Lee transferred to Atletico this month, leaving Paris Saint-Germain (France) where he played for three seasons.

He left a strong impression by finding the back of the net right from his debut match.

Lee was also selected as the Man of the Match (MOTP).

In an interview with the broadcaster after the match, Lee said, "I knew that the first matches are very important. It is true that we lacked training a bit because many players returned late after the World Cup, but I am very happy that we could win. I will keep working hard for the next match to reach my peak condition."

Atletico made three substitutions in the middle of the second half, including Lee, and that served as a turning point that completely changed the stagnant flow of the game.

Crediting his teammates, Lee said, "The entire team played a great role. All three substitutes went in to help the team, and we were able to win thanks to the hard work of the players who started the first half."

When asked how he felt about being named Man of the Match, Lee showed a cautious attitude, saying, "I still need to sharpen my match fitness further, but if I keep working hard, I believe both individually and as a team we will get better. I hope to record many attacking points and help secure victories."

Explaining why he ran to the bench and hugged his teammates after scoring, he said, "While I was on the bench, those guys told me that I would score once I stepped onto the pitch. I wanted to express my gratitude for that trust."

Asked whether his goal of "winning every competition" stated during his initiation ceremony also applies to La Liga, he replied, "Of course. We will prepare in the best possible way and do our absolute best to claim every victory."

(Photo: Getty Images)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.