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For Lee Kang-in, the result was one he could only reflect on with “what ifs.” Atlético Madrid (AT) suffered their first defeat of the season amid a combination of goalpost misfortune and defensive lapses.

AT Madrid lost 0-3 to Athletic Bilbao in the fourth round of the 2026-2027 La Liga season, played at San Mamés in Bilbao on the 5th (Korean time). The loss ended AT Madrid’s three-game unbeaten start to the season (two wins, one draw). Lee Kang-in, who started the match, was substituted in the 59th minute after seeing his early shot hit the post.

AT Madrid’s attack was built around Lee Kang-in and Ademola Lookman, who had shown good chemistry in recent matches. Lee demonstrated his “ace” qualities just three minutes after kickoff. Receiving a pass on the right flank, he dribbled past a defender and fired a right-footed shot that struck the post. He continued to orchestrate attacks with agile movements but failed to convert them.

Bilbao also increased their ball possession to seize control, but they too struggled to capitalize on their chances. In the 39th minute, Lee received a yellow card while thwarting a counterattack. In added time of the first half, Pablo Barrios’ powerful shot from inside the penalty box also hit the post. AT Madrid hung their heads after hitting the woodwork twice in the first half.

Missed opportunities led to a crisis. Bilbao’s early second-half pressure exposed AT Madrid’s defense, with the hosts scoring twice in the 1st and 3rd minutes to lead 2-0. AT Madrid responded by making four simultaneous substitutions, including Lee and Lookman, in the 13th minute of the second half.

However, no comeback materialized. Substitutes like Julián Álvarez and Arnau Ortiz attempted shots but were repeatedly denied by Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simón. Trailing 0-2, AT Madrid conceded a third goal in the 44th minute of the second half, completing a 0-3 defeat.

Lee recorded two shots (zero on target), one chance created, a 100% dribble success rate (3/3), and a 78% pass success rate (18/23). Football statistics platform FootMob gave him a team-average rating of 6.7. The highest rating (8.6) went to Bilbao’s goalkeeper Unai Simón, who saved all five of AT Madrid’s on-target shots.

Spanish outlet AS wrote, “Lee Kang-in could have changed the game’s momentum in his first opportunity early on. He continued to actively seek spaces to create shooting chances. The yellow card he received in the first half was likely the reason for his substitution.”

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