Lee Kang-in started in the Madrid derby in which Atlético Madrid defeated Real Madrid.
This match was not simply a regional rivalry game but a contest that changed the standings early in the season.
The flow of the victory and the controversy over the officiating need to be examined separately.
3-Line Summary
1. Atlético defeated Real 2-1
2. Atlético moved ahead of Real with 16 points
3. Lee Kang-in was the starting point of the build-up to the additional goal
The Match Opened Up After a Sending-Off and Penalty Kick
Atlético Madrid defeated Real Madrid 2-1 in a home match on the 20th at Riyadh Air Metropolitano in Madrid, Spain, in Round 7 of the 2026-2027 La Liga season.
The first half ended 0-0, but a foul by Ha Wi-seon in the second half led, after a video review (VAR), to a sending-off and a penalty kick. Alejandro Grimaldo converted the penalty to put Atlético ahead, after which Jonathan David scored an additional goal. Real Madrid pulled one goal back through Antonio Rüdiger, but did not manage to equalize.
There was also a clear change in the standings. Atlético moved into 2nd place with 5 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss, and 16 points, while Real Madrid remained on 5 wins, 2 losses, and 15 points. Barcelona was reported to be leading with 21 points.
Lee Kang-in’s Pass Created the Second Goal
Lee Kang-in started in Atlético’s attack. Although he did not record a goal contribution, his pass out to the right in the second-half additional-goal sequence led to Giuliano Simeone’s low cross and David’s finish.
This sequence most specifically demonstrates Lee Kang-in’s contribution. Although it was not recorded as a goal or assist, he began the attack by using the space on the flank before the opposing defense had settled, and that choice became the first link in the move that made it 2-0.
This victory in the Madrid derby remains more significant because it put Atlético 1 point ahead of Real in the standings. More than the publicity surrounding a single match, the result clearly showed Atlético overtaking its direct opponent in the standings race.
Differing Reactions to the Tackle Incident
After the match, Lee Kang-in’s tackle late in the first half also became controversial. Real Madrid manager José Mourinho claimed at a press conference that the incident warranted a sending-off, and the Real club also expressed dissatisfaction with the referee’s decision.
However, the actual decision made on the incident was a foul call, and there have been no reports that Lee Kang-in was given a booking or sent off. Some media outlets and former referees have assessed it as an incident that “could be viewed as a sending-off,” but this must be distinguished from a definitive action that changes the match result or official decision.
This derby ended with Atlético’s 2-1 victory and rise in the standings. Strong criticism of the officiating remains, but the result determined in the record is 3 points and a jump to 2nd place.
Sources
Tags #LaLiga #LeeKangin #AtleticoMadrid #RealMadrid #MadridDerby #SpanishFootball #LaLigaStandings #LeeKanginPerformance #JonathanDavid #AlejandroGrimaldo #VAR #FootballOfficiating #LaLigaRound7