Lee Kang-In scored a superb debut goal as Atlético Madrid opened their La Liga campaign with a 2-0 win over Málaga at the Metropolitano.

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

"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, but the Argentine coach said that wasn't the plan.

"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."