Kang-in Lee marked his official Atlético Madrid debut with a spectacular goal before Álex Baena produced a brilliant late free-kick to secure a 2-0 victory over Málaga in the opening round of the 2026/27 LaLiga season.

Diego Simeone’s team initially struggled to break down the newly promoted visitors at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano. However, the introduction of Lee and Baena transformed the contest, giving Atlético the attacking quality required to begin their campaign with three points.

Both goals arrived during the final 20 minutes. Lee opened the scoring in the 70th minute, only 13 minutes after coming off the bench, while Baena sealed the result with a stunning direct free-kick five minutes from time.

Atlético Madrid vs Málaga match summary

The official LaLiga match centre confirms the result, scorers and attendance.

Málaga frustrate Atlético in the first half

Atlético entered the match as strong favourites, but Málaga showed why they could be difficult opponents following their return to Spain’s top division.

The visitors defended with discipline and remained composed when playing out from the back. Atlético controlled periods of possession without creating enough clear opportunities, registering their first shot on target through Rodrigo Mendoza in the 35th minute.

Málaga also carried a threat on the counterattack. Jan Oblak, making his 400th LaLiga appearance, was forced into an impressive double intervention shortly before halftime, although the second effort was eventually ruled offside.

The score remained goalless at the interval, leaving Simeone searching for greater pace and invention.

Kang-in Lee scores a rocket on his Atlético debut

Atlético improved after Marcos Llorente’s introduction at halftime, but the decisive changes arrived in the 57th minute. Simeone sent on Kang-in Lee, Álex Baena and Giuliano Simeone together.

Lee immediately looked determined to make an impression. Operating from the right and cutting onto his stronger left foot, the South Korean international attempted shots in the 59th and 64th minutes before delivering the breakthrough.

In the 70th minute, Lee collected a long pass from Dávid Hancko on the right. He drove inside, escaped three Málaga defenders and unleashed a magnificent left-footed strike into the top-left corner.

It was a dream introduction for the summer signing from Paris Saint-Germain. Lee needed just 13 minutes on the pitch to score his first competitive Atlético Madrid goal, demonstrating the close control, creativity and shooting ability he can bring to Simeone’s attack.

The debutant also created three chances and won three tackles, joint team-high totals in both categories, according to match data reported by beIN Sports.

Álex Baena scores stunning free-kick

Lee’s opening goal changed the momentum completely. Málaga began to tire, while Atlético pushed forward in search of a second.

Ademola Lookman tested goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero before Hancko headed Baena’s corner against the crossbar. The pressure eventually produced another moment of individual brilliance.

After winning a free-kick near the edge of the Málaga penalty area in the 84th minute, Baena took responsibility himself. The Spanish World Cup winner curled a superb right-footed strike into the top-left corner via the underside of the crossbar.

Herrero had no chance.

Baena’s 85th-minute goal completed Atlético’s 2-0 victory and provided a fitting conclusion to an evening on which the club’s Spanish world champions had presented the trophy to supporters before kickoff.

It was also a notable piece of history: Baena became the first Spanish player to score a direct LaLiga free-kick for Atlético since Antonio López against Real Zaragoza in October 2009.

Why Julián Álvarez missed the match

Julián Álvarez was not included in Atlético Madrid’s matchday squad for the LaLiga opener.

Simeone explained before the game that the Argentina international required more training after returning later than several teammates following his World Cup involvement. Baena, Llorente and Juan Musso had also completed only a limited period of preparation, although the first two were fit enough to feature as substitutes. Cadena SER reported Simeone’s explanation before kickoff.

Álvarez’s absence did not prevent Atlético from finding a breakthrough, but his eventual return will give Simeone another elite attacking option.

A perfect start for Atlético Madrid

Atlético’s performance was not flawless, particularly during a difficult first half. Nevertheless, the impact of Simeone’s substitutes demonstrated the depth and match-winning quality available to him.

Málaga deserve credit for remaining competitive for more than an hour in their first LaLiga match since the 2017/18 season. Once Lee broke the deadlock, however, Atlético took control and never looked likely to surrender their advantage.

Lee’s explosive debut and Baena’s spectacular free-kick delivered the perfect start: two outstanding goals, a clean sheet and three valuable points.

For Atlético supporters, the most encouraging feature was not simply the result. It was the sight of two gifted attacking players immediately taking responsibility—and suggesting that Simeone’s team could possess a new creative edge this season.

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