In the absence of Lee Kang-in (24) from the starting lineup for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the team scored two goals in the first half.

PSG is facing Inter Milan in the single-leg final of the 2024-2025 season UEFA Champions League (UCL) at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, starting at 4 a.m. on July 1 (Korea time). The first half concluded with a score of 2-0.

This season, PSG has clinched the domestic treble, winning Ligue 1, the Trophée des Champions, and the Coupe de France. The team is now challenging for European domination.

On this day, PSG deployed a 4-3-3 formation. Due-Embele-Kvaratskhelia positioned themselves in the attacking front. In the midfield, Neves-Vitinia-Fabian Ruiz were positioned. The defense line consisted of Hakimi-Marquinhos-Paço-Nuno Mendes. The goalkeeper was Donnarumma. Lee Kang-in was listed on the bench.

Inter faced PSG with a 3-5-2 formation. Lautaro Martínez and Thuram were positioned as the front line. In the midfield, Dimarco-Mkhitaryan-Çalhanoğlu-Barella-Dumfries were deployed. The defense line included Bastoni-Acerbi-Pavard. The goalkeeper was Sommer.

In the early moments of the first half, both teams engaged in a probing battle.

PSG scored the opening goal relatively early. In the 12th minute, Due received a through pass from Vitinia and delivered a low and fast cross to Hakimi, who was positioned at the center of the Inter goal area. Hakimi, who was unmarked, calmly found the net with a right-footed inside shot.

Hakimi, who played for Inter during the 2020-2021 season, restrained himself from celebrating after the goal.

Building on the momentum, PSG added a second goal in the 20th minute. Due, who assisted the opening goal, found the net this time. He received a cross from Dembele during a counterattack and shot with the top of his right foot, which deflected off an opponent and led to a consolidation.

Inter diligently sought a goal back. In the 37th minute during a corner kick opportunity, Thuram attempted a header shot. However, the ball narrowly missed the goalpost.

Two minutes of additional time were given. Kvaratskhelia aimed for the team's third goal with a header during a corner kick opportunity. However, he did not connect with the goal.

The first half concluded with PSG leading 2-0.

Meanwhile, Lee Kang-in seeks to become the second Korean player to challenge for the UCL title, following Park Ji-sung. Park was part of the Manchester United (Man U) winning squad in the 2007-2008 season but did not play in the final match. He appeared in the finals twice (2008-2009, 2010-2011), but Man U finished as runners-up in those instances.

Son Heung-min also reached the final stage with Tottenham during the 2018-2019 season but has been unable to secure a trophy.

If Lee Kang-in plays in the UCL final and secures victory, it would mark the first instance in Korea's football history.

[OSEN]