Manchester City defender Rúben Dias greeted Atletico Madrid's Lee Kang-in after a preseason friendly in Seoul on August 9. The match, part of the 2026 Coupang Play Series, saw the two teams meet for the first time since a 2023 UEFA Champions League clash.
Atletico Madrid secured Lee Kang-in's signature this summer for a reported fee of €40 million on a five-year contract. He was handed the club's iconic number 7 shirt, previously worn by Antoine Griezmann, making his debut in it against City. The Korean international's move has generated significant excitement among domestic fans, who packed the Seoul World Cup Stadium for the exhibition.
What happened in the Seoul friendly?
The preseason fixture brought Manchester City and Atletico Madrid together in the Korean capital. It served as a high-profile debut for Lee Kang-in in his new number 7 jersey. After the final whistle, a moment captured by photographers showed City's Portuguese centre-back Rúben Dias sharing a brief, respectful exchange with the Atletico newcomer. This friendly encounter comes three years after the sides last met in a competitive European classic.
How does Lee Kang-in fit at Atletico Madrid?
Atletico Madrid's acquisition of Lee Kang-in represents a major investment in their attacking options. The €40 million fee and five-year deal signal the club's belief in his potential to become a key figure. Assigning him the number 7 shirt, a number loaded with history at the club, places immediate expectation on his shoulders. His performance against a top side like Manchester City offered fans a first glimpse of how he might adapt to Diego Simeone's system.
What is Manchester City's preseason status?
For Manchester City, the trip to Seoul was part of their global preseason preparations. Facing strong opposition like Atletico Madrid provides valuable match fitness ahead of the new Premier League campaign. The club's current squad depth can be seen on our squad page, which details a roster built to compete on multiple fronts. Their upcoming schedule, including key early-season fixtures, is available on our fixtures list.
Pep Guardiola's side is expected to challenge for the title again, building on a strong foundation. The team's defensive solidity, marshalled by players like Rúben Dias, will be important. You can track their defensive record and other key metrics throughout the season on our stats hub.
What comes next for both clubs?
The immediate focus for both Manchester City and Atletico Madrid shifts to the start of their domestic seasons. For City, the Premier League campaign begins soon, and every point from the opening matches will count in what is always a tight race. Fans can follow the evolving league picture on our standings page. For Atletico, integrating a high-profile signing like Lee Kang-in smoothly will be a priority as they aim to close the gap on rivals in La Liga. The friendly in Seoul, while just an exhibition, provided a useful benchmark for both teams' early-season readiness.
