A goal in either half is enough to see Inter Miami take a one-game lead in their best-of-three series with Atlanta United, winning 2-1 at Chase Stadium.
2024 Major League Soccer
2-1
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
2' GOAL! Inter Miami CF 1-0 Atlanta United (Luis Suárez)
6' Match Event for Inter Miami CF vs Atlanta United
25' Match Event for Inter Miami CF vs Atlanta United
27' Highlight from Inter Miami CF vs Atlanta United
29' Highlight from Inter Miami CF vs Atlanta United
39' GOAL! Inter Miami CF 1-1 Atlanta United (Saba Lobjanidze)
47' Match Event for Inter Miami CF vs Atlanta United
52' Highlight from Inter Miami CF vs Atlanta United
60' GOAL! Inter Miami CF 2-1 Atlanta United (Jordi Alba)
66' Match Event for Inter Miami CF vs Atlanta United
72' Match Event for Inter Miami CF vs Atlanta United
76' Match Event for Inter Miami CF vs Atlanta United
84' Match Event for Inter Miami CF vs Atlanta United
85' Match Event for Inter Miami CF vs Atlanta United
91' Highlight from Inter Miami CF vs Atlanta United
Match Report
After already winning the Supporters' Shield and setting a new MLS single-season points record, the Herons took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series ahead of Game Two.
The hosts needed just over a minute to take the lead when Diego Gomez picked out Suarez, who prodded the ball beyond Brad Guzan early on.
David Martinez then saw his effort strike the woodwork, but Miami were unable to make their sustained spell of pressure count as visiting forward Saba Lobjanidze levelled the contest in the 39th minute.
But the hosts restored their advantage just before the hour-mark when Lionel Messi picked out Alba, who struck a fierce effort from distance which proved to be the winner.
Miami should have had a more comfortable advantage, but were met with the imposing figure of Guzan, who made nine saves during the contest to keep the hosts at bay.
First 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs win VAMOS!! pic.twitter.com/KxJsim1FZ8
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) October 26, 2024
Data Debrief: Welcome to Miami
Having topped the Eastern Conference with 74 points, Miami are expected to reach the showpiece match, and their display proved why they were one of the best teams in the MLS during the regular season.
The hosts ended the contest with an expected goals (xG) total of 3.38 from their 22 shots, 12 of which were on target and 14 of their efforts were inside the Atlanta box.
And though not getting himself on the scoresheet, Messi once again showcased his class. The Argentine registered a team-high 1.26 xG to Inter Miami's total, while also recording more shots on target (five), more touches in the opposition box (13) and creating more chances (five) than anyone on the pitch.
Line-ups
Inter Miami CF XI: Messi, Suarez, Alba, Busquets, David Martínez, Marcelo Weigandt, Drake Callender, Diego Gómez, Federico Redondo, Tomás Avilés, Yannick Bright
Subs: Robert Taylor, Matías Rojas, Franco Negri, Julian Gressel, CJ dos Santos, Campana, Ian Fray, Noah Allen, Benja Cremaschi
Atlanta United XI: Brad Guzan, Dax McCarty, Derrick Williams, Stian Gregersen, Saba Lobjanidze, Jamal Thiaré, Miranchuk, Bartosz Slisz, Brooks Lennon, Pedro Amador, Ajani Fortune
Subs: Luis Abram, Xande Silva, Tristan Muyumba, Daniel Ríos, Josh Cohen, Tyler Wolff, Matthew Edwards, Noah Cobb, Luke Brennan