José María Giménez’s stoppage time header has powered Atlético Madrid past Inter Milan.
The Cardiac Colchoneros struck again on Wednesday night. A team that looked too exhausted to push on somehow found another gear. Sufrir, sufrir y volver a ganar.
Julián Alvarez opened the scoring, and I Nerazzurri punched back early in the second half to level the match. But in the dying minutes, Atlético’s captain rose to meet Antoine Griezmann’s corner and deliver a statement Champions League win at the Metropolitano.
Here are Into the Calderón’s player ratings from this magical European night.
Juan Musso: Gave you everything and then some from a backup goalkeeper. Strong stop on Federico Dimarco’s early free kick, followed by another big save on Hakan Çalhanoğlu’s long-range effort midway through the first half. Came up huge again early in the second half to deny another Dimarco chance. Little he could do on Piotr Zieliński’s equalizer. 7
Nahuel Molina: An up and down display. Started shakily and looked uncomfortable on the ball before settling into the first half. Contributed more confidently in attack than in defense, where he seemed a bit lost, something highlighted on Inter’s tying goal. Subbed off for Nico Gonzalez in the 58th minute. 5
José María Giménez: Atlético Madrid scored from a corner and fittingly, it came from their Uruguayan warrior, who capped a terrific performance in style. Marked Lautaro Martínez well for most of the night and produced a crucial intervention on the Argentine’s 67th-minute attempt. Looked a step slow and noticeably fatigued toward the end, which may become a concern given Robin Le Normand’s absence and the increased burden on him. 7
Dávid Hancko: Yet another reminder of how valuable this signing has been. Calm, composed, and commanding throughout. 6
Matteo Ruggeri: A positive outing, especially considering his recent dip in form. Inter rarely tested his side in the first half, but he handled what came his way with efficiency. Probably his best performance in red and white. Subbed off for Griezmann in the 68th minute. 6
Conor Gallagher: El Pitbull was central to Atlético’s relentless press from the opening whistle. Primarily a defensive shift from the Englishman, and exactly what the match required. Subbed off for Koke in the 58th minute. 6
Johnny Cardoso: Strong start from the American. Won heaps of “50/50 balls,” including a crucial tackle in the 55th minute to break up a promising Inter attack. Disrupted the visitors’ rhythm throughout his time on the pitch. As he accumulates more minutes, the team will adapt even better to what he brings. Subbed off for Marc Pubill in the 59th minute. 6
Pablo Barrios: Made it difficult for Inter to build anything meaningful in attack. Confident carrying the ball forward, and unlucky not to get a chance on goal just before halftime after a sharp give and go with Alvarez that the Argentine overhit. Showed good defensive discipline tracking back in the closing stages. 6
Álex Baena: Pressed intelligently throughout and positioned himself perfectly for his “assist” on Alvarez’s opener. Subbed off for Alexander Sørloth in the 68th minute. 6
Giuliano Simeone: Relentless in the press from start to finish and delivered a quality cross to Baena that ultimately resulted in La Araña’s opening goal. A constant nuisance for I Nerazzurri all night. Needs to finish the chance he had in the 59th minute. 8
Julián Alvarez: Excellent poacher’s instinct on the opener, reacting quickly to Baena’s deflected pass. Now up to 10 goals in 14 Champions League matches, he clearly thrives under the Metropolitano lights, and that doesn’t seem likely to change anytime soon. 8
Substitutes:
Marc Pubill: Came on for Cardoso in the 59th minute and provided instant energy. Played a fantastic ball into Griezmann for his big 77th-minute chance. Made a bold but well-timed challenge on Marcus Thuram in the 87th minute to prevent a dangerous cross without conceding a penalty. 6
Koke: Replaced Gallagher in the 58th minute. Connected play with several clean passes and helped stabilize the match after the equalizer. 5
Nico Gonzalez: Entered for Nahuel Molina in the 58th minute and brought a much-needed spark on the left side. Excellent defensive shift, effectively served as a left-back and handled the responsibility well. Applied pressure late despite Inter rarely testing that flank earlier. Strong defending to head away Dimarco’s cross in the 78th minute and then to block Luiz Henrique’s attempt in the 81st. 7
Antoine Griezmann: Came on for Ruggeri in the 68th minute. Unable to convert a big chance in the 77th minute; personally would’ve preferred to see him strike it with his left. Delivered a perfect corner onto Josema’s head for the match-winner. 6
Alexander Sørloth: Replaced Baena in the 68th minute. Came close from Nico’s cross in the 74th minute, but the ball wouldn’t drop for him. His trajectory seems to point toward a winter window exit. 5
