Atletico Madrid opened their La Liga campaign with a 2-0 victory over promoted side Malaga on Wednesday, with manager Diego Simeone deploying Nigerian international Ademola Lookman as a central striker.
The match took place at Atletico's home ground and saw Lookman complete 90 minutes as the lone forward in Simeone's 5-4-1 formation.
Lookman, who usually operates as a winger, registered two shots on target and tested the Malaga goalkeeper in a performance that helped secure three points. The goals came from debutant Lee Kang-in, who scored 13 minutes after coming off the bench with a curled effort, and Alex Baena, who added a free kick to seal the result. It was a win built on moments of quality despite a limited attacking display.
Speaking after the game, Simeone explained his decision to use Lookman through the middle was driven by necessity. Julian Alvarez was not included in the squad as speculation continues over his future, while Alexander Sorloth remains sidelined with a muscle injury and Antoine Griezmann has departed for Major League Soccer.
"Creativity. Trying to look for what can make us better because we do not have at this moment a forward who can give us something from the beginning," Simeone said.
"That position is important and we hope to be able to improve it." Atletico, who joined Lookman from Atalanta in January, will now prepare to host Villarreal on Sunday as they look to address their shortage of recognised forwards.