Once again, there is a crisis.

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) won 4-1 against Stade Rennais in the 25th round of Ligue 1 for the 2024-2025 season at Roazhon Park in Rennes, France, on the morning of the 9th (Korea time). With this victory, PSG recorded 20 wins and 5 draws, maintaining an unbeaten streak of 25 matches since the start of the season. They also firmly held onto their top position.

PSG's offensive players scored evenly. Bradley Barcola, Gonçalo Ramos, and Ousmane Dembélé (2 goals) all found the net. Moreover, Lee Kang-in started for the first time in 5 official matches. He played as a right winger. He recorded a passing success rate of 93% (42/45), 1 shot on target, 2 successful dribbles, and 2 wins in ball competitions. In the 38th minute of the first half, he attempted a left-footed shot during a counterattack situation but was blocked by the opposing goalkeeper.

Lee Kang-in was substituted for Vitinha in the 64th minute when the team was leading 2-1. PSG held this match while making significant rotations. This was due to the aftermath of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg against Liverpool on the 6th (0-1 loss). At that time, many of the starting players were deployed.

Additionally, PSG had to reserve their energy for the second leg against Liverpool on the 12th, so they eased their efforts in the match against Rennes. Nevertheless, they achieved a dominant victory. Lee Kang-in was only on the bench during the first leg against Liverpool. He was placed at the forefront along with Ramos and Barcola in this match. His absence for the second leg against Liverpool seems likely.

PSG scored the opening goal in the 27th minute of the first half. Barcola shook the opposing net with a pass from Désiré Doué. Lee Kang-in also moved diligently. In the 38th minute of the first half, he received a pass from João Neves and attempted a left-footed shot near the box line. It was blocked by the goalkeeper.

Just 5 minutes into the second half, PSG scored another goal. Ramos finished off a cross from Barcola. Rennes reduced the deficit to 1 goal with a header from Lilian Brassier in the 53rd minute from a corner kick situation. PSG, leading 2-1, substituted Lee Kang-in, Luka Hernández, Neves, and Ramos in the 64th minute, bringing in main players like Dembélé.

With Dembélé's multi-goal performance in stoppage time, PSG sealed the game with a 4-1 victory.

French media 'Foot Mercato' gave Lee Kang-in a rating of 5.5, noting that "except for the shots on target, his movements were relatively cautious." Another outlet, 'Maxifoot,' evaluated that he "did not make a significant difference."

Lee Kang-in's participation in the second leg is uncertain, as PSG allowed many starting members to rest in the match against Rennes. The fact that he starts in this game strongly indicates that he is likely to start on the bench for the Liverpool match.

In many ways, Lee Kang-in has hit another wall since entering the European stage. It is noteworthy whether he can break through this limitation and regain his starting position once again, as he has consistently overcome crises with outstanding skills.

[Photo] Paris Saint-Germain social media.

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