The match between Atlanta and Inter Miami in the second round of the 2024 MLS Cup play-off ended with a score of 2-1 in favor of the home team. With this result, the two teams will need a third play-off match to win the right to continue.Atlanta vs Inter Miami GoalsAtlanta vs Inter Miami lineups
Atlanta vs Inter Miami Goals
Atlanta: Williams (58′), Silva (90’+5)Inter Miami: Martinez (40′)
In the first leg, Atlanta United played with great effort and created many difficulties for Inter Miami. However, they still had to accept a 1-2 defeat against Messi and his teammates. In the second leg at home, Atlanta was determined to win to avoid early elimination (according to the MLS Cup playoff format, teams play 3 matches and the team that wins 2 will advance).
Entering the match, Inter Miami with stars like Messi and Suarez quickly took control of the game and played overwhelmingly. However, it was not until the 40th minute that the away team scored the opening goal. Atlanta’s goalkeeper let the ball bounce back after a Miami player’s shot, David Martinez rushed in to finish from close range to break the deadlock. After a few minutes of checking with VAR, the referee recognized the goal.
1-0 was also the score of the first half. However, right at the beginning of the second half, Atlanta scored an equalizer. Derrick Williams jumped high to receive a cross from his teammate and headed the ball into the left post, giving Miami goalkeeper Callender no chance to block it.
In the following minutes, Miami attacked frantically and Messi had 2 chances but could not score. Even in the 90’+2 minute, he put the ball into Atlanta’s net but the goal was not recognized due to offside.
And exactly two minutes later, Atlanta had their second goal. Substitute Xande Silva controlled the ball neatly after a pass from his teammate on the edge of the penalty area and curled the ball into the top corner to seal a 2-1 victory for the home team.
The match ended in a victory for Atlanta United. With this result, the two teams will have to play a third play-off match to determine the winner.
Atlanta vs Inter Miami lineups
Atlanta: Guzan; Ronald Hernandez, Williams, Abram, Amador; Lobzhanidze, McCarty (Muyumba 71′), Slisz, Fortune (Xande Silva 89′); Miranchuk, Thiare (Rios 78′)Inter Miami: Callender; Weigandt, Aviles, Allen (Campana 84′), David Martinez, Alba; Bright (Cremaschi 46′), Redondo, Gomez (Rojas 84′), Suarez, Messi