Lee Kang-in (23-Paris Saint-Germain) played his last home match of the 2023-2024 season. He shone in defeat and received a rousing ovation.
Luis Enrique's Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) lost their final home match of the 2023-2024 French Ligue 1 season to Toulouse, 1-3, at the Parc des Princes in Paris, France, on Wednesday (Jan. 13). PSG took the lead eight minutes into the match through Kylian Mbappe. However, they conceded three goals in the next eight minutes. It was their first league defeat in eight months since a 2-3 loss at Nice on Sept. 16 last year.
Lee started for the first time since the league game away to Lorient on Sept. 25. He came on as a substitute in the league home win over Le Havre and did not get a chance in the UCL quarterfinal first leg against Dortmund. He started the second leg of the quarterfinal against Dortmund, but only lasted 14 minutes as a substitute.
When he was given the chance to start, Lee looked lively, and he delivered a sharp left-footed cross in the 11th minute with the score tied 1-1. However, Marco Asensio's finish was poor. Lee went to the bench in the 18th minute of the second half when he was replaced by Ousmane Dembele. PSG conceded two goals after Lee's departure and lost the game. According to European statistician Footmob, Lee had a positive day, completing 86% of his passes (32/37) and creating two chances. Another source, Fúscore.com, gave Lee a 7.1 rating. Along with Asensio, it was the highest on the team. Sofascore also gave him a team-high 7.4.
Lee has already won two trophies in a PSG shirt this season. In January, he scored the winning goal in the Trophée des Champions (French Super Cup) to clinch the first trophy. PSG also won the Ligue 1 title early with a dominant performance. It was Lee's first professional league title. PSG held a victory ceremony on the day. He was joined by the coaching staff, goalkeeper, defenders, and midfield teammates to receive the trophy. In particular, he showed off his friendship with Mbappe, who is leaving the team at the end of the season.
Lee and Mbappe had an "unmistakable chemistry" this season. The two shared goals in back-to-back matches against Strasbourg and Brest in October last year. 스포츠토토 Mbappe surprised Lee with a shout-out. Mbappe even took to his personal social media to wish Lee a happy birthday. Mbappe posted a photo of himself hugging Lee's face. "Happy birthday, my little bro," he wrote underneath. He also added a heart emoji. At the time, Lee was at his lowest point: He had just come under fire from fans for the 'Hagiography Controversy' after the Qatar Asian Cup. However, Mbappe boasted of his unwavering friendship with Lee. Mbappe will leave PSG at the end of the season. "This is my last year at PSG," he said ahead of the game, "I will not extend my contract. I will not extend my contract, my adventure (at PSG) will end in a few weeks," he said ahead of the match.
Meanwhile, Lee Kang-In, who impressed in his return to the starting lineup, is hoping for a happy ending. PSG will finish the season with league away games against Nice (16th) and Metz (20th). They then host Lyon in the Coupe de France (FA Cup) final on June 26. Lee will be looking for his third trophy of the season. All eyes will be on his toes, as he"s always been strong in big games.
