Simeone’s Big Call Pays Off as Atletico Madrid Begin La Liga With Victory

Diego Simeone watched Atlético Madrid struggle to find a breakthrough for almost an hour before his substitutes transformed the contest.

The Atlético coach introduced Lee Kang-in, Álex Baena and Giuliano Simeone in the 57th minute, and the changes proved decisive as Atlético defeated Málaga 2-0 at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in their opening La Liga match of the 2026/27 season. [beIN SPORTS +1]

Simeone afterwards highlighted the difference made by his bench, describing the second-half changes as the “leap in quality” his team needed.

Atlético needed something different after a flat first half

The opening 45 minutes were frustrating for the hosts.

Atlético managed only four attempts and produced an expected-goals figure of just 0.10, with Málaga successfully limiting their opportunities.

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Simeone's decision to make a triple substitution shortly after the break therefore carried some risk.

It worked almost immediately.

Lee Kang-in announces himself in style

Just 13 minutes after coming on, Lee Kang-in opened the scoring with a brilliant left-footed finish, bending the ball beyond Málaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero and into the top corner.

It was an impressive competitive debut for the South Korean, who returned to La Liga after spells with Valencia and Mallorca before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2023.

Lee also finished with three chances created and three tackles won, both joint-team highs. [beIN SPORTS]

For Atlético, it was exactly the injection of creativity they had been missing.

Baena adds the finishing touch

If Lee's goal provided the breakthrough, Álex Baena supplied the moment that killed the game.

The midfielder won a free-kick before stepping up himself and producing another spectacular finish, curling the ball in off the crossbar with five minutes remaining. [beIN SPORTS]

Simeone refused to choose between the two goals, calling both “incredible” and praising the quality of the finishes.

The victory also gave Atlético an ideal start to a season in which expectations remain high.

Simeone's bench could become a major weapon

The most encouraging aspect for Simeone may not simply have been the three points.

It was the manner in which his substitutes changed the match.

Atlético's first-half performance showed they can still encounter problems against a well-organised opponent, but the response from the bench demonstrated that Simeone has attacking options capable of altering games.

The manager explained that his starting XI was selected based on which players were in the best condition to compete, while the second-half introductions supplied the quality required to break Málaga down.

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That depth could become increasingly important as Atlético navigate a demanding campaign.

A promising opening for Simeone

Atlético's 2-0 victory gives Simeone an early reason for optimism.

The performance was far from perfect, but the team showed patience, responded to a difficult first half and eventually found two outstanding goals through players who had started on the bench.

For Lee, it was the perfect competitive introduction.

For Baena, another reminder of his quality.

And for Simeone, perhaps the clearest sign yet that his bench can provide the extra spark Atlético need.

The next test arrives quickly, with Villarreal visiting the Metropolitano on Sunday.

Fan Debate

●⚽ Goal: Was Lee Kang-in's debut the biggest positive from Atlético's win?

●🔥 Fire: Could Atlético's substitutes become one of their biggest strengths this season?

●😲 Shock: Did you expect Lee to score on his competitive debut?

●👍 Like: Which goal was better — Lee's curling strike or Baena's free-kick?

●💬 Comment: Can Atlético challenge for the La Liga title this season?