Atlanta United clinched a thrilling 2-1 playoff win over Inter Miami on Saturday, dealing a blow to Lionel Messi’s hopes of leading the Florida team to MLS Cup success.
Portuguese winger Xande Silva scored a spectacular stoppage-time winner for Atlanta in the fourth minute of added time, thrilling the 68,455 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The victory leveled the best-of-three playoff series at 1-1 and forced a decisive game three at Inter Miami next Saturday.
Inter Miami, the top seed and 2-1 victors in game one the previous week, appeared on course for a series win after Paraguay international David Martinez opened the scoring in the 40th minute. The goal came following a costly error by former U.S. goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who mishandled a routine clearance, allowing Federico Redondo to intercept and pass to Martinez for an easy finish into an open goal.
In response, Atlanta mounted an intense second-half push to keep their season alive, equalizing in the 58th minute with a powerful header from Derrick Williams.
The fast-paced game saw opportunities for both sides, and Georgia international Saba Lobjanidze nearly gave Atlanta the lead in the 89th minute, only to see Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender tip his shot onto the post.
With the match seemingly destined for a penalty shootout, Atlanta launched one final assault on Miami’s defense. Aleksey Miranchuk found Silva, who made no mistake and fired a decisive strike into the top corner.
“Words can’t describe it; they’re such a resilient group,” Atlanta coach Rob Valentino said following the win.
“I told the team before the game it was about everyone playing together—it wouldn’t come down to just one player. And then a substitute comes on and wins us the game,” he added.
