Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) played the full game for the first time in a while. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) also celebrated a significant victory, marking their first win in 4 league matches.

PSG defeated Montpellier 4-1 in the away match of Round 33 of the 2024-2025 season of French Ligue 1 held at Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, France, on the 11th (Korean time).

PSG, which had confirmed their league championship early on, recorded 81 points (25 wins, 6 draws, 2 losses) with this victory. They also ended their losing streak and celebrated their first victory in 4 league matches. During that time, PSG missed out on an unbeaten league title while focusing on the UEFA Champions League (UCL).

Under the leadership of coach Luis Enrique, PSG deployed a 3-4-3 formation. Bradley Barcola, Gonzalo Hamus, Ibrahim Mbaye, Desiré Doué, Lee Kang-in, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Seni Mayulu, Luka Hernandez, Lucas Beraldo, Axel Tuanzebe, and Arnau Tenas were in the starting lineup. It was another lineup with significant rotations.

Nevertheless, PSG was strong. In the 24th minute of the first half, Hamus attempted a long-range shot with his right foot, but it went straight to the goalkeeper. In the 32nd minute, Barcola received a long pass that started from the goalkeeper and penetrated into the box. However, his shot hit the crossbar.

Eventually, PSG scored the opening goal. In the 44th minute of the first half, Mayulu broke through the defense and exchanged one-two passes with Zaïre-Emery. He connected the ball that deflected off Zaïre-Emery's heel with a cannonball shot, piercing the corner of the goal.

The second half continued to flow unilaterally for PSG. Hamus scored two consecutive goals in the 4th and 14th minutes of the second half, extending the lead to 3-0. He finished a cutback pass provided by Mbaye with a non-stop left-footed shot, and shortly after, he calmly converted a penalty kick earned by Doué.

PSG allowed a consolation goal to Tanguy Koulibaly in the 19th minute of the second half, but there was no issue regarding the victory. In fact, Hamus completed his hat trick, securing a significant 4-1 victory in the 20th minute of the second half. He overcame a defensive challenge and fired a right-footed shot that found the back of the net once again.

Lee Kang-in, who played as a left midfielder, also contributed to the team's victory by covering the pitch until the end. He recorded 1 shot, a passing accuracy of 93% (52/56), 1 opportunity created, 2 successful long passes, and 3 fouls won. The football statistics media 'FootMob' gave Lee Kang-in the lowest rating of 6.6 points along with Barcola within PSG.

On that day, Lee Kang-in almost provided his 7th assist of the season. In the 26th minute of the second half, he received the ball from the left side of the box during a counterattack and sent a low cross to the opposite side. If it had connected for a shot, it could have easily resulted in a goal, but unfortunately, it was wasted as Mbaye fell down.

Lee Kang-in needs to deliver noticeable performances for the remainder of the season. He has fallen behind in the competition for the starting position in the second half of the season and has repeatedly been overlooked on the most critical stage, the UCL. However, there is a high possibility that opportunities will be given to Lee Kang-in in preparation for the Coupe de France final scheduled for the 25th and the UCL final taking place on the 1st of next month.

[Photo] PSG social media.

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