Atlético Madrid – Málaga: New Incomings Decide The Game For Simeone’s Opening Match (2-0)

After a turbulent summer in which Julian Alvarez's saga prevailed, Atlético Madrid kicked off their opening game against the returning side to La Liga, Málaga. Both teams appeared to be shy in the first half before Simeone's side and substitutions went into full swing mode in the second half.

Tactical analysis and match report by Achraf Lamdarhri.

Atlético Madrid was super busy in the summer, with new players arriving and others leaving. After a long-serving period, Antoine Griezmann departed Los Rojiblancos for MLS side Orlando City. Nahuel Molina joined AS Roma. The transfer market marked the signing of Kang-In Lee, Morten Hjulmand, Alejandro Grimaldo, and, lately, Cristian Romero, who landed in Madrid coming from Tottenham. Nonetheless, Julian Alvarez was the subject of a long transfer saga. Atlético Madrid denied all the deals and the clubs that showed a genuine interest in the Argentinian striker, keeping a firm stance that he is not for sale and is set to remain Atlético's player.

After eight years of absence, Málaga returned to top-flight Spanish football. Having deserved their promotion via the Segunda Division play-offs, the Andalusian side focused on improving the squad quality to be able to fare against La Liga's teams. Left-winger Juan Cruz and left back José Salinas joined on loan, coming from Leganés and Espanyol, respectively. Málaga signed center-back Fernando Calero for free after the end of his tenure with Espanyol.

Málaga's manager, Juan Funes, started with Alfonso Herrero between the posts. Ahead, Rafael Garrido Hierro and Carlos Puga slotted into the . . .