Lee Kang-In scored a superb debut goal as Atlético Madrid opened their LaLiga campaign with a 2-0 win over Málaga.

Álex Baena also struck a stunning free kick as Diego Simeone's side finally wore down their visitors on Wednesday with two late goals at the Metropolitano.

"It would be unfair to single out Álex or Kang-In. Both were fantastic," Simeone said after the match. "They were two brilliant goals. We needed them. Málaga played a great game."

On Lee's debut, Simeone added: "He's a player who has to adapt to the demands of the game. He's a committed player to his team."

Summer signing Lee broke the deadlock in the 70th minute when he cut in from the right and curled a left-foot shot inside the far post. Baena put the seal on victory five minutes from time when he clipped a shot over the wall and into the top corner.

Simeone was asked after the match if Baena could fill the hole left in Atleti's attack with the departure of Antoine Griezmann at the end of last season, but the Argentine coach said that wasn't the plan.

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"I'm not looking for someone like Griezmann. Everyone is different," Simeone said. "Álex is in a good place right now, you can see he's playing well. We have to take advantage of that energy you get from winning a World Cup."

The game took time to warm up with neither goalkeeper troubled until Malaga's Alfonso Herrero saved from Rodrigo Mendoza.

Atleti stepped up the pressure after the break with Ademola Lookman testing Herrero before Carlos Martín, Lee and Dávid Hancko all missed the target.

Former Paris Saint-Germain winger Lee rewarded the hosts when he controlled Hancko's crossfield ball and shimmied past three defenders before finding the net.

There was no way back for Malaga and Hancko headed against the bar soon after.

Baena had the final say with his well-executed free kick from just outside the area after he had been brought down by Izan Merino.

Information from PA was used in this recap.