On November 19, 2024, Lee Kang-in played a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain's (PSG) thrilling 4-2 victory against AS Monaco at Stade Louis II, enhancing his position as one of the team's key players this season.
The match was part of the Ligue 1 16th round, and it showcased the resilience of PSG, who continue to sit atop the league table with 40 points from 12 wins and 4 draws. The win also extended their unbeaten streak to 16 matches, making them the only team among 98 competing sides across European leagues to maintain such form this season.
Lee, who began the match on the bench after four consecutive starts, was brought on as a substitute during the second half. After only 25 minutes on the pitch, he provided the assist for the decisive winning goal, demonstrating his ability to impact the game dramatically even if not starting.
Initially, the match began favorably for PSG, with Desiré Bute scoring the opening goal after 24 minutes with a well-placed shot following Achraf Hakimi's assist. They led 1-0 at halftime.
But the second half presented new challenges for PSG. Just minutes after the restart, Monaco leveled the score with a penalty from Takumi Minamino, awarded after Marquinhos was deemed to have handled the ball inside the area. The home side took the lead shortly after, with Breel Embolo converting another chance to put Monaco up 2-1.
PSG responded when Ousmane Dembélé found the net after rebounding from the opposition keeper just minutes later, bringing the score to 2-2 and reigniting PSG’s hopes.
Then came the defining moment with Lee Kang-in's entrance. Following his substitution, the young star made his mark by delivering a precise corner kick. This set the stage for Gonzalo Hamus to head the ball home, completing the turnaround and putting PSG 3-2 up.
Further sealing the victory, Dembélé added another goal during stoppage time, reflecting PSG's dominant performance throughout the match.
Statistically, Lee impressed with his performance ratings, receiving scores of 7.04 from WhoScored, 7.0 from FotMob, and 7.2 from SofaScore, indicating his effective contribution. This assist marked Lee’s second of the season, breaking his scoring drought spanning seven matches, wherein he had failed to register any attacking points since his previous standout performance against Angers.
This match not only underlined Lee's significance within the squad but also showcased his potential as PSG looks to maintain their lead over second-placed teams. Monaco remains at third place with 30 points, trailing PSG by 10 points.
After the match, PSG's head coach Luis Enrique expressed satisfaction with the team's performance and highlighted the importance of each player's involvement, especially fast-rising stars like Lee.
The victory boosts PSG's confidence as they prepare for their next fixtures. With Lee informed and playing well, fans are left eagerly anticipating his continued development and contributions to the team.
Lee's path from being critiqued for his early-season performances to making game-changing assists reflects his growth and the trust placed upon him by the management. His future looks bright, not only within PSG but also as he establishes himself on the international stage.
This match against AS Monaco will long be remembered by fans and analysts alike, owing to its emotional swings and thrilling conclusion, cementing PSG's formidable reputation this season.
