Atletico Open La Liga Campaign With Win Over Malaga

Atletico Madrid opened their La Liga campaign with a 2-0 victory over newly promoted Malaga on Wednesday, with Kang-In Lee and Alex Baena scoring spectacular second-half goals.

Julian Alvarez was absent from Atletico’s squad as he continues to regain fitness following his post-World Cup break. The Argentine forward had also reportedly attracted interest from Barcelona.

Atletico manager Diego Simeone consequently fielded a team featuring several young players as the club began its bid to challenge for the Spanish title.

Malaga, who returned to La Liga after previously dropping as far as Spain’s third tier, frustrated the hosts during a tightly contested first half.

Simeone responded before the hour mark by introducing Lee, Baena and his son, Giuliano Simeone, in an attempt to break the deadlock.

The changes quickly paid dividends.

Lee, who joined Atletico from Paris Saint-Germain during the summer, opened the scoring in the 70th minute.

The South Korean international collected the ball on the right side, moved across the edge of the penalty area and curled a superb effort into the far corner.

The goal marked an impressive debut at the Metropolitano Stadium for Lee, who inherited the number seven shirt previously worn by Atletico legend Antoine Griezmann following the Frenchman’s move to Orlando City.

Atletico continued to press for a second goal, with Ademola Lookman and David Hancko coming close as the home side increased the pressure.

Their persistence was rewarded five minutes from full time when Baena produced another spectacular finish.

The Spanish World Cup winner curled a superb free-kick over the wall and into the net via the underside of the crossbar to secure all three points for Atletico.

The victory gives Atletico an early boost as they seek to improve on last season’s fourth-place finish and challenge for the La Liga title they last won in 2021.

Simeone’s side will face a tougher test on Sunday when they host Villarreal, who finished third last season.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid and Barcelona will begin their respective league campaigns this weekend.

Real Madrid are scheduled to visit Espanyol on Saturday, while Barcelona will travel to Elche on Sunday as the new La Liga season gets underway.