Lee Kang-in made an impressive first appearance in the Madrid derby, helping Atletico Madrid beat Real Madrid 2-1 with a role in the buildup to both goals.
Atletico defeated its city rival, which was reduced to 10 men, at Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on Sunday in the seventh round of the La Liga season.
A third consecutive win lifted Atletico to second with 16 points, while Real Madrid dropped to fourth with 15 points after its second loss of the season.
Lee, who joined Atletico this season, started alongside Jonathan David up front in a 4-4-2 formation and played 89 minutes.
Although he helped create both goals, Lee finished without a goal or an assist, with both of his shots saved.
In the 15th minute, Lee advanced down the right side of the penalty area, beat a defender and delivered a left-footed cross. David met it with a header near the left side of the six-yard box but missed the target.
Lee threatened again in the 32nd minute with a powerful, curling left-footed shot from just outside the right side of the penalty area, forcing a diving save.
He was also involved in a controversial challenge just before halftime, stepping on Federico Valverde’s ankle while tackling the Real Madrid midfielder from behind.
The referee awarded a foul but did not issue a yellow card. After the match, Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho displayed a photograph of the challenge at his news conference and argued that Lee should have been sent off.
After a scoreless first half, Atletico took the lead with a penalty in the 53rd minute following a move that began with Lee.
Under pressure deep on the right side of his own half, Lee switched play with a long pass to center back David Hancko, who advanced and played a through ball to Giuliano Simeone.
Simeone drove into the penalty area before being brought down by Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen.
The referee immediately awarded a penalty and, following a video review, sent Huijsen off.
Alejandro Grimaldo converted the penalty to put Atletico ahead.
Lee had another chance in the 56th minute, but his left-footed shot from near the right edge of the penalty arc went straight at the goalkeeper.
Atletico doubled its lead three minutes later, again following a move started by Lee.
Receiving the ball on the right in Real Madrid’s half, Lee played a forward pass to Simeone, whose cross found David charging toward goal. The striker slid in to finish with his left foot.
Lee was replaced by Morten Hjulmand in the 89th minute and left the field to applause from the home fans.
Antonio Rudiger pulled a goal back for Real Madrid moments later, but Atletico held on for a 2-1 victory.
(This article was produced with the assistance of AI. — Ed.)
