Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) advanced to the final, but Lee Kang-in (25) had no role.
Luis Enrique (56)-led PSG drew 1-1 on the road against Bayern Munich in the second leg of the 2025-2026 Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League (UCL) semifinal at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, on the 7th (Korean time).
However, PSG, which had won the first leg 5-4 in a goalfest, beat Bayern Munich on aggregate 6-5 to secure a place in the final. Although PSG reached Europe's top stage for the second consecutive year, Lee Kang-in's expression could not be bright.
That day Enrique did not call on Lee Kang-in even when the team was on the back foot. Bradley Barcola, Lucas Hernández, Lucas Beraldo and Sinaly Diomande were brought on, but Lee Kang-in remained on the bench.
Following the first leg, Lee Kang-in was thoroughly left out again in the second leg on the biggest stage. Including the second leg against Liverpool in the previous round of 16, he had warmed the bench for three consecutive Champions League matches (270 minutes). His chances of playing in the final against Arsenal on the 31st did not look promising.
Looking into the records, the situation is even more bleak. Of 10 Champions League matches this season, he did not start once. Compared with last season, when he started four of 11 matches, you can see how much importance Enrique places on Lee Kang-in.
Last month Enrique praised him, saying, "To win every competition you need players ready to change the game at any time," and "It is really difficult to find players of the type of Gonçalo Ramos and Lee Kang-in. They are very important players to achieve our goals."
Enrique's actions, however, differ from his words. In important matches such as the Champions League, playing time for both Lee Kang-in and Ramos is limited.
Lee Kang-in's absence is particularly painful considering the final against Arsenal. Ultimately, it can be interpreted to mean the coach does not trust Lee Kang-in's defensive contribution or ability to handle pressure in big matches. His accomplishments in the league have had no effect in the Champions League.
Arsenal, under manager Mikel Arteta (44), is a team that boasts strong pressing and solid organization. As Enrique confirmed in the Munich match, if he does not consider Lee Kang-in a tactical option, the final is likely to be just a sideshow for him.
He boarded the train to the "dream stage" final with the team. But it will not be easy for Lee Kang-in, who has no place, to produce a turnaround against Arsenal. He may lift another trophy. But with the summer transfer market approaching, the time has come for careful consideration.
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