November 03, (THEWILL) – Atlanta United kept their Major League Soccer championship aspirations alive with a thrilling 2-1 victory against Inter Miami in a crucial playoff encounter. The dramatic win, sealed in the final moments of stoppage time, brought the best-of-three series level at 1-1.
The match, witnessed by 68,455 spectators at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, took an unexpected turn when Inter Miami struck first through David Martinez. The Paraguayan international capitalised on Brad Guzan’s mishandled clearance in the 40th minute, receiving a precise pass from Federico Redondo before finding the empty net.
The hosts mounted an impressive response after the interval, with Derrick Williams restoring parity via a powerful header in the 58th minute. The intensity increased throughout the second half, with both sides creating substantial opportunities. Georgia international Saba Lobjanidze nearly put Atlanta ahead, but his 89th-minute effort struck the woodwork following Drake Callender’s intervention.
The decisive moment arrived in the fourth minute of additional time when Xande Silva received the ball from Aleksey Miranchuk and executed a magnificent strike into the top corner. The Portuguese midfielder’s clinical finish sent the home supporters into rapturous celebration and ensured the series would require a decisive third match.
The teams will reconvene on November 9, in Miami for the final contest, with the victor advancing in their quest for MLS Cup glory. Inter Miami, who claimed a 2-1 win in the opening match, will maintain home advantage for this crucial encounter.
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