Atletico Madrid Seal 2-0 Victory Over Malaga with Late Goals from Lee Kang-In and Baena

Lee Kang-In and Baena Secure Atletico’s Winning Start

Atletico Madrid opened their La Liga campaign with a 2-0 victory over Malaga at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday. The hosts controlled the main attacking numbers before late goals from Lee Kang-In and A. Baena secured the points.

Atletico Madrid Take the Points

Atletico Madrid finished the match as deserved winners after gradually establishing the greater threat. Both teams used a 4-1-4-1 formation, but Diego Simeone’s side produced more attempts and forced Malaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero into four saves.

Malaga stayed within reach for much of the contest, yet their limited attacking output made it difficult to turn possession into a sustained challenge. Atletico’s goalkeeper was required to make only one save as the hosts protected their lead and completed the match without conceding.

Late Goals Decide the Match

The breakthrough came in the 70th minute when Lee Kang-In put Atletico Madrid ahead, with D. Hancko providing the assist. The goal changed the game’s outlook, ending Malaga’s resistance after the visitors had kept the score level through the earlier stages.

Atletico added a second goal in the 85th minute through A. Baena, whose finish confirmed the result five minutes from full time. Lee Kang-In made a notable impact despite playing 37 minutes, while Baena also scored during a 37-minute appearance.

Atletico Control the Key Numbers

The statistics showed Atletico’s attacking superiority, with the hosts recording 15 total shots to Malaga’s five and six shots on target compared with one. Atletico also held 53% possession, won six corners to Malaga’s one and completed 436 accurate passes at an 88% rate.

The expected-goals figures reinforced that pattern, with Atletico registering 0.82 against Malaga’s 0.17. Malaga’s 47% possession and 386 accurate passes showed that they had periods of involvement, but their five shots and single effort on target reflected a lack of attacking penetration.

Discipline and League Position

D. Hancko was the standout performer, earning an 8.3 rating after completing 94 minutes, supplying the assist for the opening goal and making three tackles. He also recorded one key pass, underlining his contribution at both ends of the pitch.

Atletico received yellow cards for D. Hancko in the 15th minute and J. Dominguez in the 37th. Malaga’s C. Puga, J. Cruz and R. Enriquez were booked, while the standings listed Atletico 10th and Malaga 17th after the opening round.