# Atlético de Madrid tops La Liga amid transfer uncertainty > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/atltico-de-madrid-and-mlaga-cf-season-preparation > Updated: 2026-08-30T03:11:06.000Z. Sources: 190. Developments: 5. Atlético de Madrid secured a 3-1 away victory against Sevilla FC at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán, a result that moves them to the top of the La Liga table with seven points from three matches. Following a scoreless first half in their previous match against Málaga CF, Atlético displayed an explosive performance, establishing a 3-0 lead by halftime. Álex Baena scored twice, while Ademola Lookman added a third in the 26th minute. Sevilla managed a consolation goal through Miguel Sierra in the 66th minute. The victory comes amid significant squad instability regarding striker Julián Álvarez. The Argentine forward remains absent from the squad and has not trained with the team recently. While Atlético management has denied rumors of a sale to Barcelona, manager Diego Simeone described the striker’s current situation as a “personal process”. As the transfer window nears its close, Sevilla faces mounting pressure regarding squad depth. Manager Luis García Plaza has expressed a need for new signings to remain competitive, following the sale of Oso to RC Strasbourg and ongoing interest in players like Renato Sanches. In the fourth round of La Liga, Atlético de Madrid suffered a 3-0 defeat against Athletic Club at San Mamés. Despite the loss, the match featured the official debut of Cristian ‘Cuti’ Romero, who entered in the 59th minute. Additionally, Julián Álvarez returned to competition as a second-half substitute after missing the previous match due to illness, though he did not score. ## Claims - Atlético de Madrid defeated Málaga 2-0 in their LaLiga season opener. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Kang-in Lee scored the opening goal 13 minutes after entering the pitch as a substitute. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Atlético de Madrid played Málaga CF at the Metropolitano stadium. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The match was moved forward due to upcoming concerts by The Weeknd at the stadium. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Álex Baena scored a goal with a free kick near the end of the match. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The pre-match ceremony included a tribute to Spanish World Cup champions Pubill, Grimaldo, Llorente, and Baena. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Julián Álvarez did not play in the match. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Álex Baena scored the second goal for Atlético de Madrid via a direct free kick. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Julián Álvarez and Cristian 'Cuti' Romero were not included in the squad for the match. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Kang-in Lee stated he still lacks rhythm but will improve individually and collectively through work. (single source) - Kang-in Lee credited José María Giménez for predicting he would enter the game and score. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-30: Atletico Madrid defeat Sevilla 3-1 to top La Liga Atletico Madrid defeated Sevilla 3-1 in La Liga, led by two goals from Alex Baena and one from Ademola Lookman, to take the top spot in the league despite the absence of Julian Alvarez. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/atletico-madrid-defeat-sevilla-3-1-in-laliga-opener ### 2026-08-26: La Liga: Sevilla faces Atlético de Madrid as Real Madrid hosts Málaga La Liga action highlights Sevilla facing Atlético de Madrid amidst transfer rumors, and Real Madrid hosting Málaga CF as both clubs navigate early-season momentum and squad changes. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sevilla-fc-and-atltico-de-madrid-prepare-for-la-liga-showdown ### 2026-08-18: Atletico Madrid secures La Liga win and confirms Julian Alvarez will stay Atletico Madrid defeated Malaga 2-0 in La Liga, while manager Diego Simeone confirmed that striker Julian Alvarez will remain with the club despite transfer rumors. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/atletico-madrid-secures-la-liga-win-and-confirms-julian-alvarez-will-stay ### 2026-08-17: Atlético de Madrid defeats Málaga 2-0 in La Liga opener Atlético de Madrid defeated Málaga 2-0 in their La Liga opener, featuring goals from debutant Lee Kang-in and Álex Baena, while Julián Álvarez remained absent amid transfer rumors. 170 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/atltico-de-madrid-to-face-mlaga-without-lvarez-and-romero ### 2026-08-13: Adrián Niño ruled out of Málaga CF's LaLiga opener Málaga CF forward Adrián Niño is ruled out of the LaLiga season opener against Atlético de Madrid following a right soleus injury sustained during a pre-season match. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/adrin-nio-ruled-out-of-mlaga-cfs-laliga-opener --- Cite as: Atlético de Madrid tops La Liga amid transfer uncertainty. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/atltico-de-madrid-and-mlaga-cf-season-preparation