Lee makes instant impact as Atletico Madrid beat Malaga

Lee Kang-in made an immediate impact as Atletico Madrid opened its La Liga season with a 2-0 home win over Malaga on Wednesday in a match postponed from the opening weekend to give Atletico's World Cup players additional recovery time.

Atletico de Madrid's Pablo Barrios (L) vies with Malaga's Joaquin Munoz during the Liga football match between Atletico de Madrid and Malaga at Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Aug. 19, 2026. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

Atletico coach Diego Simeone had said Tuesday that Julian Alvarez would not feature because he was still short of match fitness after playing in the World Cup final. But the introduction of several World Cup players in the second half helped turn the game in Atletico's favor.

Neither side created many chances in the first half. Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak made a double save from Chupe and David Larrubia shortly before halftime, although the move was subsequently ruled offside.

Malaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero saved from Ramon Mendoza early in the second half before Simeone introduced his son Giuliano Simeone, new signing Lee and Alejandro Baena.

Lee broke the deadlock in the 70th minute, cutting in from the right before beating Herrero with a left-footed shot.

Baena sealed the win with a free kick six minutes from time as Atletico began its campaign with three points.

The victory gave Simeone a positive start to the season as several of his key players continue to regain fitness following the World Cup. Malaga, back in the top flight, struggled to create clear chances against Atletico's defense.