Inter Miami beat Atlanta United 3-1 away in MLS. They scored three times in a 15-minute spell around halftime, and the win ended a frustrating run of draws against the same opponent.
A Goalless Hour Becomes a Rout
Atlanta had the better of the early exchanges, with yellow cards for the hosts in the 44th and 54th minutes showing how hard they had to work. Miami broke through right on the stroke of halftime, scoring in the 45th minute. They doubled their lead in the 56th minute and scored a third just four minutes later, in the 60th, to put the game out of reach within 15 minutes.
Atlanta made changes in the 63rd and 82nd minutes, but they had few answers, and Miami cruised through the closing stages. The hosts finally scored a consolation goal in the 89th minute, but it was too late to change anything.
Key Stats
Miami were clinical rather than dominant. They had 59% of the ball but took just six shots, five of them on target, and scored three. Atlanta had 15 shots and five corners, but only three of their efforts hit the target, and Miami’s keeper made just two saves. Atlanta also picked up three yellow cards to Miami’s two.
Star Names on Show
Miami’s lineup featured Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Rodrigo De Paul, Casemiro and Germán Berterame, with Dayne St. Clair in goal. Atlanta fielded Miguel Almirón, Breel Embolo and Aleksey Miranchuk, who also faced Miami in the 2-2 draw in September.
What It Means
This is Miami’s third straight league win, after a 4-0 win over DC United and a 2-0 win over New York City FC. They have scored nine and conceded one in those three games, a big change from their run of draws earlier in the season. They have the New York Red Bulls next, and they will take plenty of confidence from this performance. For Atlanta, a heavy defeat at home against a side they had held to a draw last time out is a disappointing one.
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