Jordi Alba’s 60th-minute strike proved decisive as Inter Miami kicked off their first-ever MLS Cup play-off campaign with a 2-1 victory over Atlanta United. The win places Miami one step closer to the Eastern Conference semi-finals, needing just one more victory in the best-of-three series to advance.
Inter Miami wasted no time, with Luis Suarez netting the opener in just the second minute. Alba, linking up effortlessly with his former Barcelona teammates, found Diego Gomez, who assisted Suarez for a calm finish from close range. Miami dominated the early proceedings, with Lionel Messi challenging Atlanta’s veteran goalkeeper, Brad Guzan, who made several crucial saves to keep his side in the game. Guzan, at 40 years old, showed resilience, especially when faced with Messi’s powerful shots and Alba’s precise passes.
Atlanta United, however, managed to equalize in the 39th minute when Saba Lobzhanidze’s clever shot beat Miami’s keeper, capitalizing on a pass from Pedro Amador. Atlanta even had a chance to take the lead before halftime but missed narrowly.
The deadlock was broken in the second half when Miami executed a short-corner play, with Messi assisting Alba, who found space and unleashed a powerful shot from 25 yards, putting Miami up for good. Miami coach Gerardo Martino praised Alba’s rare technical quality, likening him to legends like Dani Alves and Roberto Carlos. Martino also commended Guzan’s stellar performance, which he said kept Atlanta competitive.
Inter Miami now look to seal the series in Game 2 in Atlanta on November 2.
