Lee Kang-in Starts & PSG Reclaim Ligue 1 Lead | Paris Saint-Germain News

Paris Saint-Germain reclaimed the top spot in Ligue 1 on Saturday with a dominant 3-0 victory over Metz, capitalizing on a slip-up by title rivals Lens who fell to a 3-2 defeat against Monaco. The win marks a resurgence for PSG, fueled in part by the return of South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in to the starting lineup.

The match, played at the Parc des Princes in Paris, saw PSG take control early with a goal in the third minute from Desiree Doue. Bradley Barcola added another before halftime, securing a comfortable lead for the Parisian side. The victory reverses the league standings, placing PSG ahead of Lens with 54 points after 23 games played – 17 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses.

Lee Kang-in’s performance was particularly noteworthy, serving as a key offensive catalyst for PSG. According to statistics from Foot Mob, the 25-year-old midfielder achieved an 88% pass success rate (44/50) by the 68th minute, delivered three key passes, completed two successful dribbles, and executed eight accurate long passes. He received a rating of 7.6 from Foot Mob for his contribution.

PSG manager Luis Enrique deployed a 4-3-3 formation, positioning Lee Kang-in in the right-center midfield alongside Warren Zaïre-Emery and Danilo Pereira. The attacking trio consisted of Bradley Barcola, Gonzalo Higuain, and Desiree Doue. The defense was anchored by Luca Hernandez, Lucas Beraldo, Ilya Zabarny, and Joshua Hakimi, with Matvei Saponov in goal.

The win comes as PSG aims for a fifth consecutive French league title. The team’s recent form, including Lee Kang-in’s return to the starting eleven, has bolstered their chances. Lee Kang-in had previously made a positive impression on manager Enrique by scoring a goal off the bench in the UEFA Super Cup match against Tottenham on August 14th.

The resurgence of PSG is particularly significant given the competitive nature of Ligue 1 this season. Lens, who had briefly held the top position, suffered a setback with their defeat to Monaco. The loss highlights the unpredictable dynamics of the league and the importance of consistency in the title race.

Lee Kang-in’s journey with PSG began in August 2025, when he started in the opening match of the 2025-26 Ligue 1 season against Nantes. In that match, PSG secured a 1-0 victory, with Lee Kang-in completing 57 of 62 passes for a 92% success rate, creating three chances, and recording two shots. He was substituted out in the 61st minute.

The Nantes match also featured a notable moment for Korean football, with three Korean players on the pitch simultaneously. Kwon Hyeok-kyu started for Nantes and played 79 minutes, while Hong Hyun-seok came on as a substitute in the 59th minute, briefly sharing the field with Lee Kang-in. Both Kwon and Hong joined Nantes this summer, Kwon from Celtic of Scotland and Hong from Mainz of Germany.

Lee Kang-in’s return to form is expected to be a crucial factor for PSG as they navigate the remainder of the season. With 12 trophies already to his name, the midfielder is increasingly likely to add another title to his collection. The team’s next challenge will be to maintain their momentum and solidify their position at the top of the Ligue 1 table.

The victory over Metz represents a significant step forward for PSG, demonstrating their ability to perform under pressure and capitalize on opportunities. The team’s strong performance, combined with Lee Kang-in’s influential presence, positions them as strong contenders for the league title.

This win also underscores the growing influence of South Korean players in European football. Lee Kang-in’s success at PSG, alongside the presence of Kwon Hyeok-kyu and Hong Hyun-seok in Ligue 1, highlights the increasing talent and competitiveness of Korean footballers on the international stage.