Hancko Assists a Goal and Nearly Scores Another as Atletico Wins Without Star Striker

Hancko featured in his team's starting lineup, partnering with Robin Le Normand in central defense. After a somewhat sluggish first half where the visitors also posed a threat, the home side took control of the match after the break.

The deadlock was broken in the 70th minute when Hancko delivered a cross-field pass that found Lee Kang-in on the right wing. Kang-in chested the ball down, skillfully evaded three defenders, and fired a shot into the bottom left corner, finding the back of the net.

For the 25-year-old winger, this was his debut goal in a competitive match for Atletico, having joined in July from Paris Saint-Germain for 40 million euros. While pleased with his first strike, he admitted after the game that the team still has a lot of work ahead. "We're still lacking rhythm. We need to keep working, and that's how we'll improve as a collective and as individuals. However, the whole team did a good job, and the substitutions helped us," Kang-in stated.

Six minutes after the opening goal, Hancko himself had a chance to score, timing his run perfectly for a corner kick, but his header rattled off the crossbar. Nevertheless, Atletico was dominant, and their victory was sealed by a stunning free-kick goal from Alex Baena, who, like Kang-in, came off the bench.

"The first games are always tough. Malaga is a good team with a lot of young players, and they made it quite difficult for us. I'm really happy to have scored my first goal at the Metropolitano stadium," said Baena, who joined Atletico last summer from Villarreal but had an inconsistent first season.

"Los Colchoneros" coach Diego Simeone omitted Julian Alvarez from the matchday squad, stating that he is not yet physically prepared enough. The Argentine forward hinted over the summer that a move to another club would be best for him, but Atletico's management is unwilling to consider his departure and has rejected offers from Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Simeone fielded several Spanish youngsters and academy graduates in the match. Among them was defender Jorge Dominguez, who made his debut at 16 years and 241 days old, becoming Atletico's youngest-ever player in La Liga history.