The Atletico Madrid star is the first Korean player to compete in the iconic rivalry against Real Madrid
Category: Sports
Lee Kang-in, a rising star of South Korean football, is set to make history by starting in the much-anticipated Madrid Derby on September 20, 2026, at 11:15 PM KST. As Atletico Madrid faces Real Madrid at the Riyad Air Metropolitano Stadium, Lee will become the first Korean player to participate in this storied rivalry.
This season's La Liga match is particularly important for both teams, each vying for a strong position in the league standings. Currently, Real Madrid sits second with 15 points from six matches, having won five and lost one. Atletico Madrid, on the other hand, is in fourth place with 13 points, boasting four wins, one draw, and one loss. A victory for Atletico would not only bolster their points tally but could also propel them above Real Madrid in the standings.
Atletico's coach Diego Simeone has placed his trust in Lee, who has made a remarkable impact since joining the team from Paris Saint-Germain this summer. In six league matches, Lee has scored two goals and provided one assist, solidifying his role as a key player for Atletico. His most recent performance was especially impressive, where he scored a goal in a 4-0 victory against Osasuna, earning him the title of MVP for that match.
As the match approaches, both teams have confirmed their starting lineups. Atletico Madrid will deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Jonathan David leading the attack supported by Lee and Alex Baena in the second line. The midfield will consist of Giuliano Simeone, Marcos Llorente, Joni Cardoso, and Alejandro Grimaldo, with the back three comprising of David Hancko, Cristian Romero, and Marc Pubill. Jan Oblak will guard the goal.
Real Madrid, under coach Jose Mourinho, will counter with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Kylian Mbappe will spearhead the attack, flanked by Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Arda Güler. The midfield duo will be Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde, with a defense featuring Marc Cucurella, Dean Huys, Ibrahima Konaté, and Denzel Dumfries. Thibaut Courtois will be in goal.
The Madrid Derby is one of the most storied rivalries in football, drawing global attention and fierce competition. Lee's participation marks a milestone in his career and for Korean football, as no other Korean player has previously played in this iconic match. His presence on the field symbolizes a growing recognition of Asian players in European football.
Lee's past performances against Real Madrid have been notable. During his time at Mallorca, he contributed significantly to a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the 2022-23 season, playing a key role throughout the match. He also scored the only goal for Mallorca in a 1-6 defeat against Real Madrid in the 2020-21 season, proving his capability to perform under pressure against top-tier teams.
The anticipation surrounding this match is heightened by the current league standings and the need for both teams to secure points to maintain their competitive edge. If Atletico Madrid defeats Real Madrid, they will leapfrog their rivals into second place, intensifying the rivalry even more.
As the match day approaches, excitement builds among fans and analysts alike. The official La Liga channels have even highlighted Lee and Bellingham as key players to watch, underscoring their importance in the match. This derby serves as a test of skill and strategy and as a platform for Lee to showcase his talent on one of the biggest stages in football.
As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the atmosphere at the Riyad Air Metropolitano Stadium is expected to be electric. With Lee Kang-in leading the charge for Atletico Madrid, fans are eager to see if he can help his team secure a victory in this historic encounter.
As the first whistle blows, attention will turn to Lee, who is ready to make his mark in the Madrid Derby, a match that will likely be a thrilling display of football.