Lee Kang-in recorded his first assist of the La Liga season against Sevilla. Atletico Madrid went ahead through Baena, with the final pass coming from Lee.

It was Lee's second consecutive start in an advanced role, deployed alongside Lookman in a front two and linking play in the attacking third.

What the positional shift means

Lee has generally operated between wide areas and central midfield. Pushed furthest forward, his role shifts toward receiving in tight spaces between defense and midfield and laying the ball off.

The arrangement suits a player whose strengths lie in close control and short combination play, while increasing the demands of back-to-goal work and aerial duels.

Early-season context

The opening weeks are when a squad's tactical shape settles. Securing a starting place and registering attacking contributions now affects how minutes are distributed across the season.

For Asian football followers

The performances of Asian players in European leagues draw interest in Chinese-heritage communities in Korea as well. Players from Taiwan, China and Korea reach Europe by different routes, but share the underlying questions of youth development and league structure.

At the point of reporting, with the first half under way, Atletico led 1-0. The final result requires later confirmation.