There was still no place for Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) in the final match of the league. He was unable to play even for a minute and only participated in the victory ceremony with his teammates.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) won a 3-1 come-from-behind victory against AJ Auxerre in the 34th round of the 2024-2025 season French Ligue 1, held at Parc des Princes in Paris, France, on the 18th (Korean time). In this way, PSG, which had already secured the league championship early, finished the season with 84 points (26 wins, 6 draws, 2 losses).

Under the direction of coach Luis Enrique, PSG started with a 4-3-3 formation. Bradly Barcola, Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, João Neves, Nuno Mendes, Willian Pacho, Marquinhos, Achraf Hakimi, and Gianluigi Donnarumma were in the starting lineup. Lee Kang-in sat on the bench.

Since this was the final match of the league, PSG deployed its best lineup. With the next match, the Coupe de France final against Stade de Reims set for the 25th, there was a comfort in using numerous starting players. They aimed to enjoy a victory celebration in front of the home fans.

The opening goal belonged to Auxerre. In the 30th minute of the first half, Loïc Perrin executed a free kick taken from a distance unexpectedly. Rachin Sinyako received the ball and faced the goalkeeper one-on-one, calmly finishing with his left foot.

PSG lamented its misfortune with the goalpost. In the 35th minute of the first half, Vitinha pretended to cross during a free kick opportunity, but Mendes suddenly took a left-footed shot. It was a perfectly unexpected shot, but the ball hit the goalpost. The first half ended with Auxerre leading 1-0.

PSG, which was pressing, returned the game to square one. In the 14th minute of the second half, Khvicha received a pass from Ruiz and launched a powerful shot. The ball pierced the corner of the goal. Coach Enrique immediately brought in Désiré Doué, Warren Zaïre-Emery, and Senni Mayulu in hopes of turning the game around.

Captain Marquinhos scored the comeback goal. In the 22nd minute of the second half, Marquinhos lightly headed in a corner kick supplied by Mendes. By the 30th minute of the second half, PSG had used all its substitution cards, bringing on Lucas Belardo and Gonçalo Hamus. Naturally, Lee Kang-in's absence was confirmed.

PSG sealed the game. Although Hamus' penalty kick in the 35th minute of the second half was saved by the goalkeeper, Khvicha shook the net by getting past the goalkeeper in the 43rd minute and scored a multi-goal. The game ended with PSG's comeback victory.

Lee Kang-in remained on the bench until the end. He was overlooked by coach Enrique in the final match, finishing the league schedule for this season regrettably. It was a day that once again confirmed the reason why transfer rumors were hot this summer. Currently, Lee Kang-in is connected with Premier League teams like Arsenal, Crystal Palace, and Manchester United.

Lee Kang-in had a pleasant start to the season. He quickly accumulated attacking points, even playing as a 'false 9,' and had his sights set on surpassing his career high early on. He showcased his versatility, demonstrating why he is a favorite of coach Enrique.

However, the atmosphere changed in the second half of the season. Khvicha secured a starting position as a winger, and Doué rapidly rose to the level of a quasi-starter. In midfield, the combination of Ruiz, Vitinha, and Neves firmly took its place. Lee Kang-in, who lost his footing, effectively disappeared from the most important stage, the UEFA Champions League (UCL).

Even in a long-awaited full-time match in the league, Lee Kang-in was not in his original position. He had to take on unfamiliar roles as a defensive midfielder and a left wing-back. Ultimately, Lee Kang-in could not add as many attacking points as expected, finishing the league with 30 games, 6 goals, and 6 assists. This ties with his career high during his time at Mallorca.

Nevertheless, Lee Kang-in smiled widely during the victory ceremony held after the game. Wearing the championship medal around his neck and standing on the podium, he stretched out his arms and roared at the moment when Marquinhos lifted the trophy. This marked his sixth trophy since joining PSG.

Meanwhile, PSG is challenging for a 'quadruple (four titles)' this season. First, they will clash with Reims in the Coupe de France final, held at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France, on the 25th. PSG aims for its 16th title in the tournament.

The most important stage is, of course, the UCL final against Inter Milan. PSG and Inter will meet for the 'Big Ear (UCL trophy)' on June 1 at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. If PSG reaches the top, they will achieve their first UCL win in club history, fulfilling a long-held desire.

PSG has already lifted two trophies. They have achieved Ligue 1 champions for four consecutive seasons, extending their record to 13 total victories, and in January, they won the Trophée des Champions (French Super Cup) by defeating AS Monaco.

[Photo] PSG, Lee Kang-in social media.

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