Lee Kang-in Helps PSG to Victory in League 1 Return to Starting Lineup

Paris Saint-Germain reclaimed the top spot in Ligue 1 with a dominant 3-0 victory over FC Metz on Friday, February 22, 2026, at the Parc des Princes. A key contributor to the win was South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in, who made his first league start of the fresh year and played a pivotal role in the team’s offensive build-up, culminating in an assist for PSG’s second goal. The win marks a crucial turning point for the Parisian side after a recent setback and sets the stage for their upcoming Champions League clash.

The victory was particularly significant as it came after PSG’s unexpected 3-1 defeat to Stade Rennais on February 14th, halting a seven-game winning streak in Ligue 1. The result likewise capitalized on a stumble by previous league leaders RC Lens, who lost 3-2 to AS Monaco, allowing PSG to leapfrog them in the standings with 54 points after 23 rounds. Lens now trails by two points, with 52.

Lee Kang-in’s Return to the Starting Lineup

Lee Kang-in’s inclusion in the starting eleven marked a significant milestone in his recovery from a left thigh muscle injury sustained during the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against Flamengo in December 2025. Yonhap News Agency reported that this was his first start in an official match since that injury. He had previously made appearances as a substitute in three Ligue 1 games and one Champions League match following his return.

PSG manager Luis Enrique opted for a rotated squad ahead of the crucial Champions League round of 16 playoff second leg against AS Monaco on February 26th. Lee Kang-in was positioned in central midfield alongside Draxler and Zaïre-Emery, tasked with dictating the tempo and providing creative impetus. Although he didn’t directly register a goal or assist beyond the build-up to the second goal, his performance was characterized by sharp turns, incisive passing, and a clear influence on the team’s attacking flow. According to Newsis, he received a rating of 7.4 from football statistics website Sofascore for his performance.

The Path to Victory: Goals and Key Moments

PSG quickly established control of the match, taking the lead just three minutes in with a goal from Désiré Doué, assisted by Warren Zaïre-Emery. Bradley Barcola extended the lead in first-half stoppage time, setting the stage for a comfortable second half. The pivotal moment involving Lee Kang-in came during the build-up to Barcola’s goal. Lee delivered a precise corner kick that Lucas Hernández headed towards the goal, forcing a save from the Metz goalkeeper. The rebound fell to Gonçalo Hamus, who set up Barcola for the header that made it 2-0.

Lee Kang-in was substituted off in the 63rd minute, replaced by Vitinha, as Enrique looked to manage his players’ workload ahead of the upcoming Champions League fixture. The final goal came in the 72nd minute, courtesy of Bradley Barcola, sealing the 3-0 victory. Maeil Business Newspaper reported that Lee created 3 chances during his time on the pitch.

Statistical Overview and Impact

Beyond the assist leading to the second goal, Lee Kang-in demonstrated a well-rounded performance. He completed 88% of his passes (44 out of 50 attempts), created 3 scoring opportunities, completed 2 successful dribbles, and won 4 duels, showcasing his contribution to both the offensive and defensive phases of play. His ability to dictate play from midfield and deliver dangerous set pieces proved invaluable for PSG.

This win not only secures PSG’s position at the top of Ligue 1 but also provides a significant morale boost as they prepare to face AS Monaco in the second leg of their Champions League playoff. The team will be looking to build on this momentum and advance to the knockout stages of Europe’s premier club competition. The first leg ended in a draw, making the return match at the Parc des Princes a crucial encounter.

Looking Ahead: Champions League Challenge

PSG’s focus now shifts to the Champions League, where they face a challenging tie against AS Monaco. The team will need to maintain their form and intensity to overcome their opponents and secure a place in the Champions League knockout stages. The match is scheduled for February 26th, and the outcome will determine their fate in the competition. The pressure is on for Enrique’s side to deliver a strong performance and avoid another early exit from the Champions League.

The return of Lee Kang-in to the starting lineup provides a valuable boost to PSG’s midfield options, offering greater creativity, and control. His ability to influence the game through his passing range and set-piece delivery will be crucial as they navigate the challenges ahead. The team will be hoping that he can continue to build on his recent performances and become a key player in their pursuit of both domestic and European glory.

The Ligue 1 season is far from over, and PSG will face stiff competition from RC Lens and other contenders. Yet, with Lee Kang-in back in form and the team playing with confidence, they are well-positioned to challenge for the title. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining their ultimate success.

The victory over Metz serves as a reminder of PSG’s attacking prowess and their ability to dominate opponents when playing at their best. With a talented squad and a determined manager, they are capable of achieving great things this season. The fans will be hoping to see more of the same in the weeks and months to approach.

The next confirmed checkpoint for PSG is their Champions League round of 16 playoff second leg against AS Monaco on February 26th. Stay tuned for updates and analysis as the team continues its pursuit of both domestic and European titles. We encourage you to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.