A thunderbolt of drama in stoppage time: José María Giménez rose highest to head home an Antoine Griezmann corner in the 93rd minute, snatching a sensational winner that ended Inter Milan’s flawless start to the Champions League and sent the Wanda Metropolitano into delirium.
A Game of Momentum Swings
The contest began with Inter probing and pressing, Federico Dimarco carving early openings and testing Atlético’s goalkeeper Juan Musso with a fierce free-kick.
Yet it was the hosts who struck first when a cross ricocheted off Carlos Augusto onto Álex Baena and fell kindly for Julián Álvarez, who coolly finished to register his 10th Champions League goal since arriving from Manchester City. Initially ruled out for handball, the strike was reinstated after a VAR review, leaving Atlético with a half-time lead and a growing sense of belief.
Inter Fight Back but Atlético Hold On
Inter returned with intent. Nicolo Barella rattled the crossbar and Hakan Çalhanoğlu forced Musso into a sharp save, but persistence paid off in the 54th minute. A clever pass from Ange-Yoan Bonny found Piotr Zieliński, who slotted home to level the tie and reignite the visitors’ momentum. The match swung into a tense chess match of chances and near-misses: Antoine Griezmann saw a close-range effort kept out by Yann Sommer, who also had to tip away a long-range strike from Marc Pubill.
A Dramatic Finish and Table Implications
Just when it seemed destined for a draw, Giménez rose like a colossus to meet Griezmann’s corner and deliver a knockout blow. The late header not only sealed a priceless victory for Atlético but also dented Inter’s perfect record. The result leaves Inter level on 12 points with Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, while Atlético climb to nine points and 12th in the group — a reminder that in Europe, no lead is ever safe.
Tactical Takeaways
Atlético’s resilience and set-piece threat proved decisive. Griezmann’s delivery and Giménez’s aerial authority turned a tight contest into a dramatic finale. Inter’s attacking fluency created chances, but moments of defensive vulnerability and that last-minute lapse proved costly. Both sides showed quality and character, but Atlético’s late composure made the difference.
What’s Next
Atlético return to La Liga to face Real Oviedo before resuming their European campaign away to Monaco. Inter head back to Serie A for a trip to Pisa, with a high-stakes Champions League clash against Liverpool at San Siro looming next. After a night of heartbreak and heroics, both teams will regroup — but Atlético will savor a victory that will be remembered for Giménez’s unforgettable finish.
