Lee Kang-in received mixed reviews after Atletico Madrid collapsed in the second half of a 3-0 road loss to Athletic Bilbao in Spanish La Liga.
Lee started Saturday's fourth-round match at Estadio de San Mames and played until the 58th minute. The 25-year-old South Korean nearly scored with a right-footed shot that struck the post but could not prevent Atletico from being shut out.
Spanish outlet El Desmarque gave Lee a rating of 5. It praised his energetic start and close control in creating the attempt that hit the post, but said his influence gradually faded.
Atletico struck the woodwork twice during a promising first half before defensive mistakes contributed to its collapse after the break. Seven players received failing grades.
Goalkeeper Jan Oblak and left back Alex Grimaldo were rated 3. Oblak did not make a save, while Grimaldo struggled against Robert Navarro and was exposed during the buildup to Athletic's second goal. Marcos Llorente received a 4 after losing his matchup with Nico Williams.
Ademola Lookman and Giuliano Simeone were each given a 3 after failing to provide an attacking threat. Substitutes Koke and Arnau Ortiz received ratings of 4, with neither making the desired impact.
Marc Pubill, Morten Hjulmand, Pablo Barrios and Alex Baena earned Atletico's highest ratings of 6. Pubill was recognized for his first-half defending, Hjulmand and Barrios provided stability in midfield, and Baena attempted to drive the attack with aggressive shooting.
Cristian Romero, who made his Atletico debut as a substitute, and Julian Alvarez each received a 5
(This article was produced with the assistance of AI. — Ed.)
