Inter Miami beat Atlanta to maintain winning run

Atlanta 1 – 3 Inter Miami

ATLANTA, GA–Inter Miami continued their winning ways as they took on Atlanta and served up a lesson in precision finishing to defeat their rivals.

Atlanta didn’t let Miami play their normal game, where they dominate the ball and dictate the play. Instead the visitors had to cope with a high press, a hard-working side along with a vociferous crowd.

The home side had the better chance in the opening minutes, without seriously threatening Dayne St. Clair in the Miami goal, but it was a scrappy game and by no means a classic.

Casemiro was again paired with Micael in the centre of defence for the second time, and the two enjoyed another good performance as their partnership starts to grow.

And Atlanta kept them on their toes and gave them a test. Miguel Almiron is always going to get on the ball in dangerous areas and will be a threat, but the Herons held firm.

With Sergio Reguilon starting to perform at a higher level recently, the Miami defence is starting to look more robust. It needed to be as Atlanta continued to press for the opener, but the game was being played largely in the middle third and neither keeper was being troubled.

Atlanta were trying to stretch Miami and create the space to do some damage, and it forced Miami on the back foot. And as the first half looked to be ending goalless, Miami broke the deadlock somewhat against the run of play. German Berterame ended his dry patch during the week with a tap in, and the Mexican international was on the score sheet again when he benefitted from some great work by Luis Suarez.

The veteran striker outmuscled the defence to keep possession and then had the presence of mind to chip the ball across perfectly onto the head of Berterame who headed home. A goal to the good, Miami would normally push to increase that lead, but as the second half unfolded they seemed to sit back, and Atlanta had more possession. St. Clair had to be on alert and made a great stop as he closed down an Atlanta attack when a goal looked likely.

And as the home side got up a head of steam, they were undone by some Lionel Messi magic. The Miami captain ran at the defence, swapped passes with Berterame before beating Lucas Hoyos in the Atlanta goal. It was a wonderful goal at a time when his side were up against it and needed some reprieve, and a few minutes later they piled on the agony when they extended the lead. A quick break saw Suarez play a long ball to Messi who ran half the length of the pitch at Junior Alonso. After bamboozling the defender he continued the run and fired the ball home.

The crowd went quiet and Atlanta tried to pick up the pieces, but the damage was done in five second half scintillating minutes.

Miami were awarded a penalty for handball, but the decision was reversed after a video review.But Atlanta did get a penalty and former Miami player Fafa Picault just about beat St. Clair to get a consolation goal.

It was a hard-fought win for Miami that was made that much easier with the talents of Messi who always adds a huge threat and more often than not a goal or two.

But a solid defensive display and precision finishing at this stage of the season puts Miami in a strong position as they look to consolidate their standing in the table and take that good form into the play-offs.