Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) advanced to the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) despite losing to Aston Villa, thanks to an aggregate score advantage. However, Lee Kang-in did not play a single minute and remained on the bench. Negative evaluations regarding his position have surfaced in France.

On the 16th (Korean time), RMC Sports reported, "Lee Kang-in has completely disappeared. It is a relief that he is not the focal point. Thanks to his absence, PSG has improved."

Lee Kang-in has contributed to the team by playing various positions throughout the season. He also recorded double-digit attacking points and displayed his presence by taking on roles as a central midfielder as well as a false 9.

In a recent interview, he expressed motivation, saying, "The coach demands a role with a lot of movement. I am satisfied that I can create space and opportunities." He added, "I want to step onto the field regardless of the position. I will always give my best for the team. Every match in the remaining tournaments is a final."

However, reality was harsh. PSG suffered a 2-3 comeback loss to Aston Villa in the second leg of the quarterfinals of the 2024-2025 season UCL, held at Villa Park in Birmingham, England on the 16th.

Having won 3-1 at home last week, they succeeded in advancing to the semifinals with an aggregate score of 5-4, but Lee Kang-in did not get a chance to play until the end.

Head coach Luis Enrique used only one substitution card throughout the match. The only change came in the 58th minute, when he brought on Desiree Due in place of Barcola. Seated on the bench, Lee Kang-in ultimately finished the match without stepping onto the field.

In the early stages of the match, PSG took the lead. In the 10th minute of the first half, Barcola broke down the left side and delivered a low cross that was cleared by goalkeeper Martinez, with Hakimi finishing off for the opening goal. Then, in the 27th minute, Mendes scored another goal after receiving a pass from Dembélé, extending the lead to an aggregate score of 5-1.

Villa did not back down. In the 33rd minute of the first half, Tielemans' shot deflected off a defender and led to a goal, and in the 54th minute, McGinn scored another goal with a long-range shot. Then, in the 57th minute, after Rashford's breakthrough and cutback, Konsa converted to complete a 3-2 comeback. This resulted in a nail-biting contest with a total of 5-4.

PSG faced a crisis as well. In the 59th minute, goalkeeper Donnarumma saved a header from Tielemans, and in the 69th minute, Donnarumma blocked another one-on-one chance from Asensio, saving the team.

Villa then introduced Barkley, Watkins, and Martsen, launching an all-out effort, but no further goals were scored. Just before the end, Martsen's volley shot hit a defensive player in a desperate dive. Ultimately, PSG succeeded in advancing to the semifinals despite the second-leg loss.

Meanwhile, local media are offering significant interpretations regarding Lee Kang-in's unusual exclusion from substitutions. The possibilities of changes in his status within the team, alterations in tactical plans, or a lack of trust from the coach have been mentioned. Some analyses suggest that this is not merely a matter of rotation.

Lee Kang-in also did not play in the first leg. He has now spent two consecutive matches on the bench. The recent trend is undoubtedly a signal of crisis for him, who has consistently been given opportunities.

PSG has now reached the UCL semifinals for two consecutive seasons. However, this outcome is not likely to be received positively by Lee Kang-in.

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