PSG vs. Montpellier: Lee Kang-In Hopes to Shine in Home Opener

As Paris Saint-Germain prepares to face Montpellier Herault in their second Ligue 1 match of the season, Lee Kang-In, one of the club’s rising stars, is eagerly looking forward to the encounter. This match holds special significance for the 23-year-old South Korean midfielder, who made a notable impact in the season opener against Le Havre with a goal and an overall strong performance. Now, as PSG gears up for their first home game of the season at Parc des Princes, Lee is keen to replicate his success.

Lee has fond memories of playing against Montpellier, having scored twice against them last season. As he reflected on this in a recent interview, Lee expressed his desire to contribute once again. He emphasized that his focus is on helping the team secure victory, whether by scoring goals or through his playmaking abilities. For Lee, it’s not just about personal stats but about ensuring the team achieves its objectives.

Lee Kang-In's Journey in Paris

Scoring his first goal for PSG at Parc des Princes was a milestone for Lee, and it’s a moment he cherishes. He’s hopeful that this season will bring even more opportunities to find the back of the net, but his primary concern remains the team’s success. Lee’s mindset is clear: winning matches and reaching the team’s goals are far more important than individual accolades.

Beyond the pitch, Lee has been enjoying life in Paris. Having moved to the city last season, he’s found it to be a wonderful place, both for himself and his family. The support from the fans, particularly the Korean supporters, has been a source of strength and motivation for him. Lee appreciates the energy and love they bring, and he’s determined to continue improving and delivering his best performances for them.

A Look at the Key Matchup

PSG (1-0-0) will try to beat Montpellier (0-1-0) at Parc des Princes on Friday. The men protecting the net will be Gianluigi Donnarumma for PSG and Benjamin Lecomte for Montpellier.

The Parisians have relinquished 1 goal while relinquishing 1.00 goals per 90 min, and the opposition have amassed 2 shots on target on them. They haven't earned a clean sheet so far this season. PSG has accumulated 0 yellow card warnings for the season. The Parisians have a ranking of 1st in relation to xG with 2.9, and the team's expected goals against are sitting at 0.2. Over the course of the season, this team averages 3.00 pts per contest (3 points) and they also have a rank of 1st in soccer with 3 assists. This team's difference in goals is currently at 3 by way of 4 goals accumulated and 1 goal given up. PSG has tallied 1 save and also have a SV percentage of 50.0 so far this season.

The Paillade average 1.0 points per fixture while compiling 0 assists. Montpellier HSC has recorded 4 yellow cards. Montpellier is 8th in relation to goals allowed with 1, and the team's goal differential is sitting at 0. For the year, Montpellier HSC has a save % of 75.0 (4 SoTA), and they also are ranked 8th in the league with 1 point. Their goals against per 90 min is currently at 1.00 with 3 saves. Montpellier has totaled 1 goal and the team's expected goals this year is sitting at 1.3.

Key Players to Watch

The guy who is expected to defend the goal for PSG is Gianluigi Donnarumma. Donnarumma has defended the goal for 26,289 mins and has earned 847 stops so far in his pro soccer career. His GA/90 is 1.04 (305 goals conceded) and he is the owner of a save percentage of 75.5. The goalkeeper hailing from Italy has faced 1,154 shots sent his way in 296 career starting assignments. Donnarumma (167-66-61 record in his career) has tallied 99 clean sheets, which gives him a 33.4% clean sheet rate.

Benjamin Lecomte will be residing in front of the goal for Montpellier. During his pro soccer career, Lecomte has given up 416 goals and has tallied 1,025 saves in 336 starts. He has given up 1.24 goals per 90 minutes and he has a mark of 122-104-111. He has earned a save percentage of 72.8 and his clean sheet rate is 29.8%. Lecomte has racked up 100 clean sheets while defending 1,437 shots attempted against him in 30,312 career mins.

A Clash of Styles

Ousmane Dembele is a guy who can be a force on the pitch for PSG. Dembele has been given a starting assignment in 146 outings so far in his career and he has earned 0.32 goals per 90 mins. The forward from France has racked up 46 goals in 12,998 mins. He has totaled 58 assists while earning 21 yellow card warnings so far in his pro soccer career.

Montpellier features Akor Adams, who can change the course of a fixture. He has collected 8 yellow card cautions in his pro soccer career and has assisted on a goal 5 times. The forward hailing from Nigeria has played 4,936 mins and has scored 31 goals. He scores 0.57 goals per 90 minutes and has been given a starting assignment in 58 contests thus far in his career.