Jose Gimenez’s stoppage-time header earns Atletico Madrid a 2-1 Champions League victory over Inter Milan at the Metropolitano stadium.
MADRID: Jose Gimenez’s stopp-time winner earned Atletico Madrid a dramatic 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The Uruguayan defender headed home Antoine Griezmann’s corner in the third minute of added time to secure a vital three points.
Julian Alvarez had opened the scoring for Atletico early in the match at a rocking Metropolitano stadium.
Piotr Zielinski levelled in the 54th minute for the Italian visitors, who had started the competition with four straight wins.
“Today was a tough game that we needed to win, and winning it allows us to believe we can qualify directly,” Gimenez told Movistar.
The victory boosts Atletico’s chances of a top-eight finish in the new league phase format.
Inter coach Cristian Chivu started with Lautaro Martinez and Ange-Yoan Bonny up front, benching Marcus Thuram after Sunday’s derby defeat.
Despite Inter’s enterprising start, Alvarez drilled home from close range after a fortunate deflection.
The strike was initially ruled out for handball but allowed after a VAR review showed the ball hit Alex Baena’s stomach.
Inter pushed hard for an equaliser with Federico Dimarco twice coming close in the opening stages.
The visitors eventually levelled when Bonny teed up Zielinski to sweep home early in the second half.
Atletico found balance after conceding and probed for a winner in the final stages.
Yann Sommer thwarted Griezmann at his near post and saved from Marc Pubill as the hosts built pressure.
Gimenez’s decisive header sparked wild celebrations among the home supporters.
“It was a goal for all my loved ones, for my family, for my friends who are always with me,” said the match-winner.
Diego Simeone expressed pride in his team’s resilience throughout the challenging encounter.
“We knew how to hold out in the hardest moments,” said the Atletico coach.
“It was a much-needed win that gives us faith to keep working.”
The defeat leaves Inter fourth in the standings while Atletico climb to 12th position.
Inter face difficult remaining fixtures against Liverpool, Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund.
Atletico have matches against PSV, Galatasaray and Bodo/Glimt in their pursuit of a top-eight finish.
“It hurts for everyone, because there are many regrets,” said disappointed Inter coach Chivu.
“We came here fired up to do much more than go home empty-handed.” – AFP
