Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) player Lee Kang-in (24) did not participate in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) final, but he succeeded in conquering Europe, following the footsteps of 'Korean football legend' Park Ji-sung.

PSG played Inter Milan in the single-match final of the 2024-2025 season UCL at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on the 1st (Korean time), winning 5-0. PSG claimed its first big trophy in 55 years since its founding in 1970.

This season, PSG achieved a domestic treble by winning Ligue 1, the Trophée des Champions, and the Coupe de France. They have also conquered Europe, completing a quadruple.

On that day, Lee Kang-in was named on the bench and awaited a call from PSG coach Luis Enrique. However, he ultimately did not see any playing time. PSG exhausted all five substitution cards in the 39th minute of the second half, but Lee's name was not called.

PSG started the match against Inter with a 4-3-3 formation. Due, Dembélé, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia occupied the forward line, while Neves, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz were positioned in the midfield. The defense line was composed of Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacheco, and Nuno Mendes.

PSG scored the opening goal relatively early. In the 12th minute of the first half, Due received a through pass from Vitinha and sent a low, fast cross to Hakimi, who was stationed in front of Inter's goal. Hakimi, unmarked, calmly slotted the ball into the net with a right-footed shot.

Hakimi, who played for Inter during the 2020-2021 season, restrained his celebration after scoring.

Building on the momentum, PSG scored another goal in the 20th minute of the first half. Due, who assisted the first goal, found the back of the net this time. In a counterattack, he received a pinpoint cross from Dembélé and shot with the top of his right foot. The shot deflected off a defender and resulted in a consolidation.

The first half concluded with PSG leading 2-0.

PSG dominated the first half. According to the official UEFA website, PSG recorded 61% ball possession, while Inter had 39%. PSG also outshot Inter 13 to 2 (with 5 on target to none).

The outcome was effectively determined. In the 18th minute of the second half, Due gifted PSG a decisive goal. Dembélé, in midfield, executed a brilliant individual play and delivered a short forward pass to Vitinha. Vitinha drove the ball into the opponent's box and passed it to Due, who was on the right side of the box. He did not miss the opportunity and struck the ball into the goal with a smooth one-touch shot.

Continuing the momentum, PSG added another goal in the 28th minute of the second half. A long pass from Dembélé completely broke through Inter's defense. Kvaratskhelia received the ball, dribbled, and calmly finished in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper.

Inter fought hard to score even one goal. However, breaking through PSG's overwhelming performance was not easy.

Instead, PSG extended their lead to 5-0. In the 41st minute of the second half, substitute Maiulu received a shot from Barcola and scored from the side with a precise angle.

The match concluded with PSG's 5-0 victory.

Lee Kang-in became the second Korean player to experience UCL victory, following Park Ji-sung. Park was part of the Manchester United (Man U) squad that won in the 2007-2008 season but did not play in the final. He then appeared in two more finals (2008-2009, 2010-2011), but on those occasions, Man U finished as runners-up.

Son Heung-min also stepped onto the final stage as a member of Tottenham for the 2018-2019 season, but he had no connection with the trophy.

Had Lee Kang-in participated in the UCL final and secured victory, it would have been a historic first for Korean football, but he will have to wait for another opportunity.

[OSEN]