Inter Miami let victory slip as late Breel Embolo penalty rescues Atlanta United

Inter Miami were denied a third consecutive victory when Breel Embolo’s late penalty earned Atlanta United a 2-2 draw, extending the club’s unresolved problems despite a dominant display.

The result leaves Lionel Messi’s side second in the Eastern Conference of Major League Soccer (MLS), while Atlanta remain second from bottom in the same standings. Inter Miami had appeared on course to take all three points after taking the lead twice, but a second penalty for the visitors in the closing stages changed the outcome.

The match began almost two hours later than scheduled after heavy rain left the pitch in poor condition. Organisers delayed kick-off because of the weather and its effect on the playing surface.

Once the game started, Inter Miami – known as the Herons – controlled much of the early play. Atlanta United remained a threat whenever they moved forward, however, according to Spanish newspaper AS.

Inter Miami eventually broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute. Casemiro met the ball with a header that beat the Atlanta United goalkeeper and gave the home side the advantage.

Atlanta responded only three minutes later. Paraguay forward Miguel Almiron struck a powerful effort into the bottom corner to make it 1-1 in the 35th minute.

Inter Miami continued to push rather than allow the visitors to build momentum, and restored their lead just before half-time. Telasco Segovia delivered a cross into the penalty area, which Luis Suarez converted in the first minute of added time at the end of the opening period.

The hosts had chances to protect that advantage after the interval, but Atlanta continued to create opportunities. Inter Miami goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair produced several important saves, with his most notable intervention coming in the 78th minute.

St. Clair then became even more influential when Almiron was given the chance to equalise from the penalty spot. The Canadian goalkeeper kept out the spot-kick, appearing to preserve Inter Miami’s narrow lead.

Atlanta were awarded another penalty after a further error, and this time there was no reprieve for the home side. Embolo stepped forward and converted successfully in the 87th minute, bringing the score level for a second time.

Inter Miami were unable to find a decisive response in the remaining minutes, leaving them to settle for a point from a match they had largely controlled.

According to Sofascore, Messi produced a good individual performance and received a rating of 7.3.

The heavy rainfall and delayed start added to the unusual circumstances surrounding the match, but the late collapse will be the main concern for Inter Miami as they remain second in the Eastern Conference. Atlanta United, meanwhile, move on with a point but remain in the conference’s second-to-last position.

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