Inter lose top spot in their Champions League group as a late header from Gimenez punishes Chivu’s side after a spirited second-half reaction.
Atletico Madrid 2–1 Inter — Matchday Recap
Inter’s Champions League momentum stalled in dramatic fashion at the Metropolitano, where Atletico Madrid snatched a 2–1 win thanks to a stoppage-time header from José María Gimenez. The Nerazzurri, coming off a derby defeat, suffer their second consecutive loss and relinquish first place in the group.
Chivu’s men started brightly, driven by a lively Federico Dimarco, whose free-kick drew a strong save out of Musso before another curling effort narrowly missed the far post. But Atletico struck first: Julian Alvarez reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and buried the opener. The referee initially disallowed the goal for a potential handball by Baena, but VAR overturned the decision—though doubts lingered.
Inter came out energized after the break. Barella rattled the crossbar and the visitors finally found their breakthrough in the 54th minute: Bonny battled through traffic and slipped the ball to Piotr Zielinski, who finished clinically to bring Inter level.
The match opened up, with Simeone throwing on Griezmann and Sorloth to join Alvarez in a late attacking push. Inter, meanwhile, gradually lost control, and in the third minute of stoppage time they paid the price. A corner swung into the box found Gimenez, who rose above a static defense to head home the 2–1 winner—leaving Bastoni beaten and Sommer helpless.
A tough night for Inter, who created chances but suffered from individual lapses, a muted Lautaro, and a midfield lacking its usual sharpness.
Match Report
Scorers:
9’ Alvarez (ATM), 54’ Zielinski (INT), 90+3’ Gimenez (ATM)
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2):
Musso; Molina (58’ Pubill), Gimenez, Hancko, Ruggeri (68’ Sorloth); G. Simeone, Barrios, Cardoso (58’ Koke), Gallagher (58’ Nico Gonzalez); Baena (68’ Griezmann), Alvarez.
Manager: Simeone
Inter (3-5-2):
Sommer; Bisseck, Akanji, Bastoni; Carlos Augusto, Barella, Calhanoglu (72’ Frattesi), Zielinski (65’ Sucic), Dimarco (79’ Luis Henrique); Bonny (65’ Thuram), Lautaro (72’ Esposito).
Manager: Chivu
Referee: Letexier
Bookings: Dimarco
Expulsions: None
