Can Lookman and Atletico Madrid Challenge Real Madrid and Barcelona for LaLiga?
Atletico Madrid began their 2026/27 LaLiga campaign with a 2-0 win over newly promoted Malaga, raising early questions about whether Diego Simeone's side can mount a genuine title challenge. The hosts had to stay patient against a disciplined Malaga defence before substitutes Lee Kang-in and Alex Baena sealed the result. Lee scored a superb long-range effort shortly after coming on, while Baena added a late free-kick. Nigeria's Ademola Lookman was handed a key attacking role following Antoine Griezmann's exit. Although he did not score, he was lively and came close after being set up by Lee. Atletico will need more consistency from Lookman and their other forwards if they are to keep pace with Real Madrid and Barcelona. It is only the first match of the season, but Simeone's depth, defensive discipline and emerging attacking options could make Atletico an interesting outsider in the title race.
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