Lee, Baena guide Atletico to opening La Liga win over Malaga

Atletico Madrid began their La Liga season with a 2-0 victory over Malaga at the Metropolitano stadium on Wednesday. The team's goals were scored by Kang-In Lee and Alex Baena, with no contribution from forward Julian Alvarez, who is still recovering from a post-World Cup break. Diego Simeone fielded a youthful Atletico squad, with Lee and Baena making their debuts after coming on as substitutes in the second half.

Malaga, who last appeared in La Liga in 2018 before being relegated to Spain's third division, kept the score tight in the opening period. Simeone brought on Lee, Baena, and his son Giuliano before halftime, and Atletico eventually broke the deadlock. Kang-In Lee, signed from Paris Saint-Germain this summer, was instrumental in the opening goal.

The number seven shirt, previously worn by Atletico legend Antoine Griezmann, was now occupied by the Korean international. Ademola Lookman and David Hancko nearly doubled Atletico's lead, but Baena sealed the win with a spectacular free-kick in the 75th minute. Fourth from the bottom last season, Atletico will now face Villarreal in their opening La Liga fixture on Sunday, while Real Madrid and Barcelona kick off their campaigns at Espanyol and Elche respectively.