Atlético Madrid 2-0 Málaga CF: Lee Kang-in and Álex Baena Secure First Win of the Year
Atlético de Madrid began the year with a 2-0 victory over Málaga CF, but the final score did not fully reflect the difficulties Diego Simeone’s side faced during a frustrating first half. Málaga defended with discipline, limited Atlético’s attacking options and even created one of the best opportunities before the break. However, a decisive second-half performance, inspired by substitute Lee Kang-in, eventually turned the contest in Atlético’s favor.
The victory gave Atlético Madrid a positive start to the year, while Málaga will feel that their defensive organization and competitive spirit deserved more from the match. Lee Kang-in’s introduction proved to be the turning point, with the South Korean international opening the scoring before Álex Baena added a superb free-kick to seal the result.
Málaga frustrate Atlético in a difficult first half
Málaga CF entered the match with a clear tactical plan under Juan Funes. The Andalusian side defended in a compact low block and made it difficult for Atlético Madrid to find spaces in the final third.
Atlético dominated possession for long periods but struggled to translate that control into clear scoring opportunities. Their buildup was often slow and predictable, allowing Málaga’s defensive structure to remain intact.
The first half was notable more for its mistakes and physical commitment than for attacking quality. Atlético struggled to break through Málaga’s defensive lines, while the visitors showed considerable determination whenever they had the opportunity to counter.
Málaga even came close to taking the lead with a double chance that forced Jan Oblak into important work. It was one of the clearest moments of the opening 45 minutes and highlighted the problems Atlético were experiencing.
Among the individual performances, Arnau Ortíz stood out for his energy and fighting spirit for the home side, while Larrubia provided several flashes of quality for Málaga. Overall, however, the first half lacked the attacking fluency expected from Atlético.
Simeone changes the game after the break
Diego Simeone reacted at half-time by replacing Jorgé Domínguez, who had already been booked, with Marcos Llorente. The change was designed to provide Atlético with greater energy and experience, but the team’s structural problems in possession remained.
One of the clearest examples came during Atlético’s buildup from the back. Koke repeatedly dropped deeper to help the central defenders progress the ball, but the space he vacated was not consistently occupied by Barrios or Mendoza.
That movement left Atlético Madrid lacking a reliable connection between defense and attack. Mendoza, in particular, endured a difficult outing and failed to provide the influence Atlético needed in midfield.
With the match still level and Málaga continuing to defend stubbornly, Simeone decided not to wait until the hour mark before introducing his most important attacking weapon.
Lee Kang-in makes an instant impact
Lee Kang-in entered the match with the responsibility of changing Atlético’s attacking rhythm, and the South Korean quickly demonstrated why Simeone had turned to him.
His movement and personality immediately gave Atlético Madrid greater intensity in the attacking third. Although he made some mistakes after coming on, Lee continued to demand the ball and attempt to create openings.
His persistence was rewarded with the opening goal.
On his third significant attempt, Lee produced an outstanding individual finish. He used a double cutback to create space for himself before unleashing a left-footed shot toward the far corner. The strike was precise, powerful and beyond the reach of the Málaga goalkeeper.
The goal made it 1-0 and represented a major shift in momentum.
More importantly, Lee’s influence appeared to spread throughout the Atlético team. The hosts began attacking with greater confidence and purpose, while Málaga gradually lost the defensive intensity that had characterized their first-half performance.
Málaga lose momentum after Atlético’s opener
Once Atlético took the lead, Málaga struggled to respond with the same level of aggression and organization. The visitors became increasingly exposed as they searched for an equalizer.
Atlético sensed the opportunity to finish the game and began creating more dangerous situations around the Málaga penalty area.
David Hancko came close to doubling the advantage when his header struck the crossbar. Alfonso Herrero was unable to do anything about the effort, with the frame of the goal denying Atlético what would have been a decisive second goal.
Málaga’s inability to introduce a new attacking idea became increasingly apparent. Their defensive approach had worked effectively while the score was 0-0, but once Atlético found the breakthrough, they were forced to take greater risks.
That opened additional space for the home side.
Álex Baena seals the victory with a brilliant free-kick
Atlético eventually found their second goal through another important attacking weapon: Álex Baena’s set-piece ability.
The Atlético No. 10 stepped up for a free-kick and delivered a superb strike that left the Málaga defense and goalkeeper with little chance. His effort effectively ended the contest and gave Atlético the two-goal cushion they had been seeking.
Baena’s goal was also an encouraging moment personally. The Almería midfielder appeared increasingly confident as the match progressed and produced a strong second-half performance after Atlético had struggled to generate attacking momentum before the interval.
With the score at 2-0, Málaga’s hopes of mounting a comeback faded quickly.
Atlético control the closing stages
The final stages of the match passed without major incidents. Atlético were able to manage their advantage, while Málaga struggled to create the opportunities required to make the ending uncomfortable for the hosts.
Chupe did manage an effort late in the match, but his shot went directly into Jan Oblak’s hands. Apart from that attempt, Málaga offered little threat during the closing minutes.
Atlético therefore completed a deserved 2-0 victory and secured their first win of the year.
Lee Kang-in emerges as the biggest positive
Although Atlético’s performance was far from perfect, Lee Kang-in’s introduction provided the clearest positive from the match.
The South Korean demonstrated the creativity, confidence and individual quality Atlético had lacked during the opening half. His willingness to receive the ball, take on defenders and attempt difficult actions changed the dynamic of the game.
His goal was the defining moment, but his overall influence was arguably even more important. Atlético became more aggressive and confident after he entered the field.
Baena’s free-kick and Oblak’s crucial first-half intervention were also important contributions, while the defensive organization improved once Atlético gained control of the match.
A winning start for Atlético Madrid
The 2-0 result ultimately represents a successful start to the year for Atlético Madrid. The team did not produce a convincing attacking performance from the opening whistle, and Málaga exposed several weaknesses in Atlético’s buildup and midfield structure.
Nevertheless, Simeone’s substitutions and the individual quality of his attacking players eventually made the difference.
Málaga deserve credit for the way they competed, particularly during the first half. Their low defensive block frustrated Atlético and limited the hosts to very few clear opportunities. But once Lee Kang-in broke the deadlock, the match changed completely.
Atlético finished the night with two goals, three points and an important boost in confidence. Lee’s arrival as the game’s decisive attacking influence was the headline, while Baena’s superb free-kick provided the perfect finishing touch.
For all the attention surrounding Atlético’s attacking options, the biggest takeaway from the night was the emergence of Lee Kang-in as a player capable of changing a difficult match. And by the final whistle, the earlier frustrations surrounding Julián Álvarez were no longer the focus of the conversation.
