Lee Kang-In scores 70th-minute debut goal in Atlético Madrid's 2-0 win over Málaga

Summer signing Lee Kang-In broke the deadlock in the 70th minute as Atlético Madrid secured a 2-0 victory against Málaga at the Metropolitano.

Atlético Madrid secured a 2-0 victory over Málaga in their LaLiga season opener on Wednesday at the Metropolitano. Lee Kang-In marked his club debut by scoring the opening goal in the 70th minute, followed by an Álex Baena free kick in the 85th minute to finalize the scoreline. Diego Simeone’s squad relied on these two late strikes to overcome a visitor defense that had kept the match scoreless for over an hour. The result gives the hosts three points to begin their domestic campaign.

Lee, a summer arrival from Paris Saint-Germain, broke the 0-0 tie after receiving a crossfield pass from Dávid Hancko. The winger controlled the ball on the right flank, shimmied past three Málaga defenders, and curled a left-footed shot into the far post. This 70th-minute breakthrough ended a period of sustained pressure from the home side, who had struggled to find the net despite several second-half opportunities.

Baena Secures Victory with Late Free Kick

Álex Baena doubled the lead five minutes before the end of regulation time. After being fouled by Izan Merino just outside the penalty area, Baena took the resulting set piece himself. He clipped the ball over the Málaga wall and into the top corner of the net at the 85-minute mark. This goal followed a near-miss by Hancko, who had headed the ball against the crossbar shortly after Lee’s initial strike.

Earlier in the contest, scoring chances were limited. Málaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero kept the game level in the first half by saving an attempt from Rodrigo Mendoza. Following the halftime interval, Atlético increased their offensive intensity. Ademola Lookman forced a save from Herrero, while Carlos Martín, Lee, and Hancko all missed their targets before the eventual deadlock was broken.

Simeone Evaluates New Offensive Options

Following the match, Diego Simeone praised the individual contributions of his goalscorers, noting that both Lee and Baena were fantastic. The Argentine coach emphasized that Lee is a committed player who is currently adapting to the specific demands of Atlético’s style of play. Simeone dismissed comparisons between Baena and former attacker Antoine Griezmann, stating that he is not looking for a direct replacement for the Frenchman who departed at the end of last season.

Simeone highlighted that Baena is benefiting from the positive energy associated with winning a World Cup. The manager noted that Málaga played a great game, which required his team to produce two brilliant goals to secure the win. The victory was captured by Getty Images as the squad celebrated their first goals of the new league cycle.

Match Statistics and Key Personnel

Lee Kang-In’s debut performance saw him operate primarily from the right side before cutting inside to use his left foot. Dávid Hancko provided the crucial assist for the first goal and remained an aerial threat throughout the second half. Defensively, Málaga’s Izan Merino was responsible for the foul that led to the final goal of the evening. The match was officiated on a Wednesday, serving as the primary LaLiga fixture for both clubs as they initiated their 2026 schedules. Information from PA was utilized in the compilation of this match recap.