Atletico Madrid secured a 2-0 win against newly promoted Malaga, with second-half substitutes Lee Kang-in and Alex Baena scoring the decisive goals.
Key facts
- •Lee Kang-in scored his first goal for Atletico Madrid in his debut match.
- •Alex Baena secured the win with an 85th-minute free kick.
- •Malaga returned to La Liga for the first time in eight years.
- •Julian Alvarez missed the match due to fitness concerns.
- •The match was a rescheduled fixture from the opening week of the season.
Atletico Madrid opened their 2026-27 La Liga campaign with a 2-0 victory over Malaga at Metropolitano Stadium on Wednesday. The match, which was previously postponed, saw second-half substitutes Lee Kang-in and Alex Baena score to secure three points for the hosts.
Match developments
Atletico struggled to break down Malaga's defense during a scoreless first half. The hosts increased their pressure in the second half, with goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero making a key save against Rodrigo Mendoza in the 57th minute.
Second-half goals
Lee Kang-in, making his debut after joining from Paris Saint-Germain, scored the opening goal in the 70th minute with a left-footed strike from outside the box. Alex Baena sealed the win in the 85th minute by curling a free kick into the net off the underside of the crossbar.
Squad updates
Atletico coach Diego Simeone utilized Ademola Lookman in an attacking role due to the departure of Antoine Griezmann and an injury to Alexander Sorloth. Julian Alvarez was excluded from the squad as he is not yet fit to play.
Timeline
- 57th minuteRodrigo Mendoza's shot was saved by Alfonso Herrero and Lee Kang-in entered the match.
- 70th minuteLee Kang-in scored the opening goal for Atletico Madrid.
- 85th minuteAlex Baena scored a free kick to finalize the 2-0 victory.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Anadolu Agency Sport.
