Atletico Madrid beat Malaga CF 2-0 in La Liga, with their balanced 4-1-4-1 structure providing control while allowing the midfield line to support attacks without exposing the holding player. Alex Baena and Kang-in Lee scored the goals, giving Atletico a convincing margin despite recording only 0.92 xG. Diego Simeone’s side produced 15 shots and directed six on target, compared with Malaga’s five attempts and one effort on target. Atletico held 53% possession, but the key difference was their greater threat around the penalty area and ability to turn pressure into decisive moments. Malaga also used a 4-1-4-1 formation, yet their attacking output was limited to 0.15 xG, leaving their goalkeeper under substantially more pressure than his opposite number. The visitors’ keeper saved 66.67% of the shots on target he faced and finished 0.64 goals above the post-shot expectation, preventing the final score from becoming wider. Atletico’s goalkeeper, tested once, maintained a 100% save rate and secured the clean sheet. Atletico begin their league campaign with control, efficiency and defensive security.