Atletico Madrid began their La Liga campaign on a winning note as second-half goals from Kang-In Lee and Alex Baena secured a 2-0 victory over promoted Malaga.
With several key players still building fitness following the post-World Cup break, Diego Simeone opted for a youthful starting XI at the Metropolitano. Forward Julian Alvarez was among those absent as he continues his return to full fitness.
The visitors made life difficult for Atletico in the opening half, keeping the hosts from creating clear-cut opportunities.
Simeone responded before the hour mark by introducing Kang-In Lee, Alex Baena and his son Giuliano Simeone, and the changes quickly transformed the contest.
Kang-In Lee breaks the deadlock
Lee, who joined Atletico from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, made an immediate impact.
The South Korean collected the ball on the right before cutting across the edge of the penalty area. He then curled a superb effort into the far corner in the 70th minute, giving Atletico the breakthrough.
It was an impressive start for Lee, who has taken the No. 7 shirt previously worn by Atletico great Antoine Griezmann following the Frenchman’s move to Orlando City.
Lee’s goal also marked his first competitive goal for Atletico.
“We’re still lacking rhythm. With more work we’ll improve as a collective and personally,” Lee said after the match.
Baena adds spectacular second
Atletico continued to push for a second goal, with Ademola Lookman and David Hancko coming close.
The hosts eventually doubled their advantage with five minutes remaining.
Baena stepped up for a free-kick and produced a spectacular strike, bending the ball over the wall and into the net via the underside of the crossbar.
It was the Spanish World Cup winner’s first goal at the Metropolitano since joining Atletico from Villarreal last summer.
“I’m really happy to have scored my first goal at the Metropolitano,” Baena said.
Simeone praised the quality of both goals while acknowledging that Atletico still have work to do.
“They were two great goals, and that’s how we were able to win a game that wasn’t that easy,” the Atletico boss said.
Malaga make Atletico work for victory
Malaga, who returned to Spain’s top flight after years of decline, frustrated Atletico for much of the first half.
The club had been relegated from La Liga in 2018 and subsequently dropped to Spain’s third tier before working their way back up.
Their young side remained compact and disciplined, but Atletico’s second-half substitutions eventually changed the momentum.
The victory gives Atletico an ideal start as they look to improve on last season’s fourth-place finish.
They will face Villarreal next, with the visitors having finished third last season.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid and Barcelona will begin their La Liga campaigns this weekend. Real Madrid travel to Espanyol on Saturday, while Barcelona visit Elche on Sunday.
