Lee Kang-in (far left) taking part in team training in preparation for the second leg of the UCL quarter-finals on the 16th. Photo = PSG
Will Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) be able to take revenge against FC Barcelona (Spain)? However, the local media predicted that his chances of being selected were low.
Lee Kang-in’s PSG will play the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League (UCL) quarter-final second leg against Barcelona at the Luis Kompanis Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on the morning of the 17th (Korea time ). PSG lost 2-3 in the first leg held at the Parc des Princes and lost their pride. To secure the semi-final, a win of at least 2 goals is required.
The attention of Korean fans is focused on whether Lee Kang-in will participate. Lee Kang-in proudly started as a first player in the first game, and Warren Zaire-Emery was replaced in the 16th minute of the second half when the team was leading 2-1. He played as a midfielder on this day and recorded a pass success rate of 94% (32 successes/34 attempts), 3 key passes, 2 effective shots, 5 passes in the offensive area, and 2 recoveries. During Vitinya’s comeback goal in the second half, he played a starting role with good chemistry with Fabian Luis.
Coincidentally, after Lee Kang-in left, PSG bowed down by conceding consecutive goals. The consolation is that there were no league games on the schedule, so the rest day was longer than Barcelona.
Meanwhile, French media outlet Le Parisien banned Lee Kang-in while highlighting the expected starting line-up for the match between PSG and Barcelona on the 15th. The media first said, “In contrast to the pessimistic atmosphere, PSG is preparing for the second leg of the finals with a calm mind,” adding, “The return of Achraf Hakimi, who was missing due to accumulated warnings, will be of great help , and Nuno Mendes, who blocked Ramin Yamal’s performance, was essential. “It was surprising that Jair-Emery was missing from the starting line-up, but he may return this time,” he predicted. In particular, in the case of the midfield, “There is no doubt about the existence of Vitinya. “Manuel Ugarte’s performance could have more impact,” he said. In other words, the media claimed that Zaire, Emery, Ugarte, and Vitinya would step forward first. In the first game, Lee Kang-in, Vitinya, and Luis started as starters.
Lee Kang-in goes to Barcelona with the team on the 15th. Photo = PSG
Finally, the media claimed that Bradley Barcola would play upfront with Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele. UEFA also predicted that Lee Kang-in would be barred from selection.
Meanwhile, Lee Kang-in was included in the call-up list for the Barcelona game and appeared in team training after going to Spain. Since his debut, Lee Kang-in has only 1 draw and 5 losses in 6 official matches against Barcelona. Attention is focused on whether he can get his first win against Barcelona on the UCL stage.
Reporter Kim Woo-jung ujkim50@edaily.co.kr
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