A goal and a decisive overflow: Jordi Alba allowed Inter Miami to launch their first MLS play-off campaign with a victory by winning 2-1 against Atlanta United this Friday.
L’Interfavorite of the play-offs, started the match with flying colors, with an opening score in the 2nd minute by Luis Suarez at the conclusion of a movement initiated on the left wing by Jordi Alba and extended by Diego Gomez.
Lionel Messi had several opportunities to double the bet but came up against Brad Guzanexcellent in the cage of Atlanta. The Argentine star also found the post on one of his attempts.
In the 39th minute, served in the area by Pedro Amadorthe Georgian winger Saba Lobzhanidze equalized for Atlanta with a left shot.
But the franchise's hopes of Georgie were wiped out in the 60th minute on a two-played corner by Miami.
Served by Messi, Alba fired a powerful, deceptive 25-yard strike Goosehelpless.
“It is not easy to find full-backs so involved in offensive play. We have to go back to Dani Alves, Cafu, Marcelo, Roberto Carlos…. to find this level again“, declared the coach of Miami, Gerardo Martino.
“He has a very rare technical quality in a full-back, which is reinforced by the understanding he has with Luis and Leo. It is difficult to find such a decisive player in his position“added the coach.
The play-offs are played as the best of three matches. The 2nd game of the series is scheduled for November 2 at Atlanta.
