'Captain' Son Heung-min (Tottenham) and Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) are set to clash on the European stage.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) crowned themselves champions of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) for the 2024-2025 season.
On the 1st (Korea time), PSG decisively defeated Inter Milan 5-0 in the final held at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. The central figure of the match was Desiree Due, who recorded two goals and one assist.
With this victory, Lee Kang-in became the second South Korean player to win the top European club competition after Park Ji-sung. Park Ji-sung experienced UCL victory with Manchester United in the 2007-2008 season, but did not participate in the final, and Lee Kang-in also remained on the bench during this final.
Starting from the second half of this season, Lee Kang-in has increasingly lost opportunities to play, and his playing time has significantly decreased since the Round of 16. In the final, he also did not leave the bench. Unlike his active participation in training just before the match, he was not seen warming up during the game.
As a result, PSG has secured the League 1, French Cup, French Super Cup, and Champions League titles this season, achieving a quadruple. This is also their first Champions League victory since their establishment.
PSG will face UEFA Europa League champion Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup on August 13. An unusual clash is expected, with two South Korean players, Son Heung-min (Tottenham) and Lee Kang-in, representing their respective winning teams.
Tottenham lifted the championship trophy after defeating Manchester United 1-0 in the Europa League final held at San Mames in Bilbao, Spain, on May 22. Son Heung-min contributed to the team's victory by coming on as a substitute in this match, earning his first major title since turning professional.
Of course, it shows that Lee Kang-in's position is again not perfect. Therefore, a turnaround is necessary. Currently, amidst transfer rumors, Lee Kang-in cannot help but have various concerns.
Meanwhile, the UEFA Super Cup showdown between Lee Kang-in and Son Heung-min holds more significance than just a simple event. It is expected to be a competition where they face off at a crucial crossroads heading into the next season, along with the joys and sorrows experienced in their respective teams this season.
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