Atletico show classic grit in triumphant start to new era

Atletico Madrid have a shiny new home, the Wanda Metropolitano, which they inaugurated with much fanfare on Saturday, but beneath it all they showed they are still the same side with a gritty 1-0 win over Malaga. Diego Simeone's team have built their success over the past five years on narrow victories, impressive defensive performances and occasional flair, and that is precisely what they delivered for nearly 68,000 fans at a packed stadium. Angel Correa produced the magic to beat his man and tee up striker Antoine Griezmann, who fired home the only goal in the 61st minute to seal the win which takes Atletico third in La Liga.

Antoine Griezmann scores the 1st goal at Wanda Metropolitano. All 32 of his La Liga goals for Atletico at Vicente Calderon were in wins pic.twitter.com/CzKHC73KfK

— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) September 16, 2017

"On a personal level I'm proud to write my name in the history of the club and the stadium," Griezmann told reporters. "We were really looking forward to playing here, and the fans were the 12th man today. For me this is the best stadium to play at, not just as it is my club, although you have to recognise that." Atletico supporters were in good voice as they celebrated their new home in the north-east of the city and although the pain of leaving the Vicente Calderon will take time to heal, the Metropolitano era started perfectly.

The Wanda Metropolitano looks stunning ahead of Atletico Madrid's first LaLiga game at their new home this season. pic.twitter.com/kyT1NVVGo4

— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) September 16, 2017

As well as an opening ceremony which paid tribute to the club's former homes and included parachutists delivering the match ball and Atletico and Spain flags, a vibrant firework display lit the sky up in red and white. "As a player and coach, I've never seen anything like this," said coach Simeone of the reception his team were given. "Sincerely, I'll remember this for the rest of my life. "It was emotional and surely spectacular for the people that were watching on television."

Atletico Madrid's new home is filled ahead of its first game this season. ? pic.twitter.com/ajau4lsQPM

— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) September 16, 2017

The King of Spain, Felipe VI, attended, while striker Fernando Torres and Jose Eulogio Garate, who played for the club between 1966 and 1977, took the honorary kickoff before the game, representing three generations of players.

A LEGEND, THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE Gárate, @Torres and Hugo, from our @AtletiAcademia, did the Wanda @Metropolitano's honorary kick off. pic.twitter.com/LHuex9ObOt

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) September 16, 2017

Torres was brought on as a substitute to a huge ovation, the former Liverpool and Chelsea striker still a huge fan favourite at Atletico. "I loved to see the fans happy, I loved hearing our club anthem in the new stadium, and seeing different generations of Atletico fans enjoying it all together," Torres said.

? TIME LAPSE This is how our fans filled up the Wanda @Metropolitano Thanks for the support, Atlético fans! ???#AúpaAtleti #AtletiMálaga pic.twitter.com/TaArDRUyRj

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) September 16, 2017

RESULTS Levante 1 (Bardhi 41) Valencia 1 (Rodrigo 31) Getafe 1 (Shibasaki 39) Barcelona 2 (Denis Suarez 62, Paulinho 84) Real Betis 2 (Joaquin 14, 76) Deportivo la Coruna 1 (Cartabia 23) Atletico Madrid 1 (Griezmann 61) Malaga 0