Atletico Madrid started their La Liga season with a 2-0 win over Malaga at home on Thursday.
Lee Kang in scored on his debut before Alex Baena added the second from a free kick. However, Atletico struggled to create chances for much of the match without Julian Alvarez.
Lee came off the bench and needed only 13 minutes to make an impact. He moved inside from the right before curling a fine shot into the top corner.
Baena later sealed the victory with a superb free kick.
Despite the two goals, Atletico lacked a strong attacking threat for long periods. Alvarez was not part of the squad as questions continue over his future.
The Argentine forward has expressed his wish to join Barcelona. The Catalan club are looking for a replacement for Robert Lewandowski and see Alvarez as an option.
Atletico, however, want to keep the 26 year old.
Coach Diego Simeone left Alvarez out against Malaga after deciding the forward was not yet ready following his break after the World Cup.
Atletico also had other problems in attack. Antoine Griezmann has moved to Major League Soccer, while Alexander Sorloth missed the game with a muscle injury.
As a result, Ademola Lookman played through the middle despite usually playing as a winger.
Atletico still found a way to secure all three points and make a winning start to their league campaign.
Before the match, Atletico honoured their four World Cup winners. Marcos Llorente, Marc Pubill, Alex Baena and Alejandro Grimaldo received a warm welcome from the home crowd.
Atletico will next host Villarreal on Sunday. The club will also hope for more clarity over Alvarez’s future before the transfer window closes on September 1.
