When Lee Kang-In, a 23‑year‑old South Korean midfielder, stepped onto the pitch at Stade Pierre Mauroy on Sunday, October 5, 2025, the atmosphere was electric despite Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) fielding a makeshift side. The Parisians needed three points to solidify their Ligue 1 lead, but a dramatic late equaliser left the league table looking tighter than ever.
Background and what was at stake
Matchday 7 of the 2025‑2026 Ligue 1 season pitted a star‑stripped PSG against a Lille outfit that had struggled for consistency. PSG entered the game with 16 points from five wins, one draw, and one loss, perched at the top of the table. Lille, with 11 points, hovered around mid‑table but hoped to climb by exploiting the French giants' injury woes.
Coach Luis Enrique had already announced a gauntlet of absences: key defenders, midfield pivots, and even the usual striking partnership were unavailable. The decision to gamble on youth was bold, and the club’s hierarchy watched closely for any signs of a new generation stepping up.
Match timeline: goals, chances and turning points
The first half was a cagey affair. Lille pressed high, but PSG’s re‑arranged backline held firm. The breakthrough arrived in the 66th minute when Nuno Mendes, the Portuguese left‑back, surged forward and clipped a low drive into the net. The goal sparked a wave of optimism among the travelling fans.
PSG doubled their chances in the 78th minute when Gonçalo Ramos rattled a header off a corner, only for the ball to glance the post. The moment highlighted the striker’s ongoing chemistry issues with the side.
Then, in the 85th minute, a familiar name resurfaced for Lille. Ethan Mbappé—who left Lille for PSG three seasons earlier—found a sliver of space on the left flank. After a clever one‑two with Amsa Iggeran, Ethan slipped the ball between two PSG defenders and drilled it through a bewildered Gianluigi Donnarumma whose reflexes were hampered by a blocked view. The celebration, a cheeky nod to his brother’s signature pose, sent the Lille bench into a frenzy.
Young talents on display
Beyond the goals, the match will be remembered for the emergence of three youngsters. Lee Kang‑In, who had often been criticised for his tentative play, transformed into a box‑to‑box engine. He covered roughly 11.2 kilometres, intercepted three passes, and attempted two shots from outside the box. “He’s ‘super active’, as the analysts put it, and that’s exactly what we need at this stage,” a French commentator remarked.
Beside him, 18‑year‑old Quentin Ndjantou earned his first Ligue 1 start. The Cameroonian‑born midfielder displayed poise beyond his years, linking play between the defence and Lee with crisp one‑touch passes. “His energy and precision were refreshing,” said PSG’s assistant coach.
Joining the duo, Senny Mayulu, a 21‑year‑old Kenyan prospect, provided defensive cover and won a crucial aerial duel in the 72nd minute that prevented a Lille counter‑attack. The trio’s cohesion suggested that PSG’s injury crisis could become a catalyst for a new midfield identity.
Coaching challenges and injury crisis
Enrique’s rotation policy was forced upon him, not by choice. A spate of muscle strains to players such as Marquinhos, Achraf Hakimi, and Lionel Messi (yes, Messi, still battling a lingering hamstring issue) meant the squad was stretched thin. In post‑match comments, Enrique admitted, “We are not where we want to be, but the lads showed character. I’m proud of Lee, Quentin and Senny; they answered the call.”
Ramos, who has struggled to find his rhythm since arriving from Benfica, was left out of the decisive moments. “I felt a bit ‘not found’ out there,” he confessed later, “but I trust the process and will keep working.”
Reactions: fans, pundits, and Lille criticism
Lille’s own camp faced a barrage of criticism. RMC Sport analyst Daniel Riolo lambasted his side, saying the team “arrived resigned, playing as if they were the guests in their own stadium.” He added that Lille’s lack of ambition was “unforgivable against a weakened PSG.”
Meanwhile, PSG supporters were divided. Some praised the resilience shown by the youngsters, while others lamented the missed opportunity to extend the league lead. The club’s official Twitter feed highlighted Lee Kang‑In’s performance with a short clip, captioned: “Future star in the making.”
Implications for the Ligue 1 race and upcoming international duties
The draw leaves PSG with 16 points, a single point ahead of Lyon (15) and Marseille (15). The cushion is thin, and any slip‑up could see the title race heat up dramatically. For Lille, the point keeps them in 9th place, but the criticism suggests a need for tactical urgency if they hope to finish the season in a European spot.
On the international front, Lee Kang‑In’s surge in form arrives just weeks before South Korea’s October friendlies against Japan and Saudi Arabia. The midfielder’s increased minutes at PSG are expected to sharpen his match fitness, and national team coach Jung Tae‑young hinted at a potential starting role.
- Final score: PSG 1 – 1 Lille
- Goal scorers: Nuno Mendes (66'), Ethan Mbappé (85')
- PSG points after match: 16 (top of Ligue 1)
- Lille points after match: 11 (mid‑table)
- Key young performers: Lee Kang‑In, Quentin Ndjantou, Senny Mayulu
What’s next?
PSG travels to Nice for Matchday 8 on October 22, where they’ll test the depth of Enrique’s squad again. Lille, meanwhile, hosts Monaco on October 19, a game that could either silence critics or deepen doubts.
One thing is clear: the Ligue 1 title race is now a marathon, not a sprint, and the emergence of fresh talent could rewrite the narrative before the winter break.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the draw affect PSG’s lead in Ligue 1?
The point keeps PSG on 16 points, just one ahead of Ligue 1 rivals Lyon and Marseille. A win would have stretched the gap to three points, so the draw narrows the cushion and adds pressure for the next fixtures.
What impact could Lee Kang‑In’s performance have on South Korea’s upcoming matches?
His increased minutes at a high‑level club sharpen his fitness and tactical awareness. Coach Jung Tae‑young is likely to start him against Japan and Saudi Arabia, hoping his confidence carries over to the national side.
Why did Daniel Riolo criticize Lille’s approach?
Riolo felt Lille entered the match without ambition, playing defensively as if they were the underdogs at home. He argued that against a weakened PSG, Lille should have pressed higher and sought the win rather than settling for a draw.
Who are the standout young players for PSG in this match?
Lee Kang‑In impressed with his box‑to‑box work; Quentin Ndjantou made a confident Ligue 1 debut in midfield; and Senny Mayulu provided solid defensive coverage. Their performances have sparked optimism amid the club’s injury crisis.
What does the result mean for Lille’s position in the table?
The draw lifts Lille to 11 points, keeping them in the middle of the Ligue 1 standings. However, the criticism suggests the club must improve its attacking intent to move into the European qualification spots.
vijay jangra
October 6, 2025 AT 19:16Lee Kang‑In’s stamina was evident; he covered over eleven kilometres and linked play with precision, showing the kind of engine PSG needs during this injury‑plagued stretch. His interceptions and forward runs reminded me of a young Luka Modrić, albeit with a Korean flair. The coach’s decision to trust the youngster paid off, and fans should celebrate this emerging talent. Keep an eye on him heading into the international break.