There was no place for Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) in the last match of the league. Nevertheless, he created another positive story while gracefully enjoying the team's victory.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) achieved a 3-1 comeback victory against AJ Auxerre in the 34th round of the 2024-2025 season of Ligue 1 at Parc des Princes in Paris, France, on the 18th (Korea time). With this, PSG, which had already confirmed the league championship, finished the season with 84 points (26 wins, 6 draws, and 2 losses).

Led by coach Luis Enrique, PSG started in a 4-3-3 formation. Bradley 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 was seated on the bench.

As it was the league's final match, PSG fielded its best lineup. With the next match against Stade Reims in the Coupe de France final scheduled for the 25th, they had the luxury of utilizing key players extensively. They aimed to enjoy the victory while celebrating the championship in front of their home fans.

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

PSG was left lamenting their misfortune at the goalpost. In the 35th minute of the first half, during a free-kick opportunity, Vitinha feigned a cross, and Mendes suddenly took a left-foot shot. It was a shot that caught everyone off guard, but the ball hit the crossbar. The first half ended with Auxerre leading 1-0.

PSG, which had been pressing hard, brought the match back to even. In the 14th minute of the second half, Khvicha received a pass from Ruiz and fired a powerful shot. The ball pierced through the corner of the goal. Coach Enrique immediately brought on Désiré Doué, Warren Zaïre-Emery, and Senny Mayulu in hopes of turning the game around.

Captain Marquinhos scored the go-ahead goal. In the 22nd minute of the second half, Marquinhos lightly headed in a corner kick delivered by Mendes. PSG utilized all their substitutions by bringing in Lucas Veraldo and Gonçalo Hamus in the 30th minute of the second half. Consequently, Lee Kang-in's absence was confirmed.

PSG sealed the victory in the match. In the 35th minute of the second half, Hamus's penalty kick was saved by the goalkeeper, but in the 43rd minute, Khvicha maneuvered past the goalkeeper and found the net to score his second goal. The match ended with PSG’s comeback victory.

Lee Kang-in ended up staying on the bench. He was seemingly overlooked by Coach Enrique in the last match, disappointing as he closed out the league schedule for the season. It was a day that reaffirmed the intense transfer rumors surrounding him this summer. Currently, Lee Kang-in is connected with Premier League teams including Arsenal, Crystal Palace, and Manchester United.

Lee Kang-in started the season on a positive note. He quickly accumulated attacking points, even taking on the role of a 'false nine', and began to look beyond his career high early on. Showcasing his versatility, he demonstrated 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 wide attacker, and Doué rose to prominence as a semi-regular player. The midfield trio of Ruiz, Vitinha, and Neves firmly established themselves. Losing his standing, Lee Kang-in practically disappeared from the most important stage, the UEFA Champions League (UCL).

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

Meanwhile, PSG is aiming for a 'quadruple (four titles)' this season. PSG has already lifted two trophies. They achieved the Ligue 1 title for the fourth consecutive season, raising their all-time title record to 13, and in January, they claimed the Trophe des Champions (French Super Cup) by defeating AS Monaco.

First, on the 25th, PSG will face Reims in the Coupe de France final at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France, aiming for their 16th title in the tournament. The most important stage is indeed the UCL final against Inter Milan. PSG and Inter will clash on June 1 at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, for the 'Big Ear (UCL trophy).' If PSG emerges victorious, they will achieve their first UCL title in club history, fulfilling a long-held ambition.

Although Lee Kang-in did not participate in the final match, he smiled brightly during the victory ceremony that followed the game. Wearing a gold medal around his neck, he stood on the podium and cheered with outstretched arms as Marquinhos raised the trophy high. This marks his sixth trophy since joining PSG. Additionally, a heartwarming episode was reported.

On that day, Lee Kang-in happily welcomed a photographer from FA Photos. He personally informed the club to invite the photographer onto the field to lift the championship trophy and took photos together, showing his delight. It remains to be seen whether Lee Kang-in, who continues to generate positive stories, can contribute to achieving the quadruple by adding this final trophy.

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