Giménez's Late Header Completes Atlético Madrid's Comeback Over Inter

Madrid, Spain — Atlético Madrid delivered a thrilling comeback victory at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Wednesday night, defeating Internazionale 2-1 thanks to José María Giménez's stoppage-time header that sent the home crowd into raptures.

The hosts wasted no time establishing their intent when Julián Alvarez broke the deadlock in just the 9th minute. The Argentine forward finished with a left-footed shot from close range to the bottom right corner, a goal that was initially reviewed by VAR before being confirmed. The early strike energized the Metropolitano faithful, who sensed their team could continue their impressive home form against the Italian side.

Inter, who entered the match with a perfect record of four wins from four games, showed their quality as the half progressed. Federico Dimarco tested Juan Musso with several dangerous attempts, forcing the Atlético goalkeeper into impressive saves. The Italian left-back was eventually shown a yellow card in the 44th minute for a foul on Giuliano Simeone as tensions rose before halftime.

The visitors found their equalizer nine minutes into the second half when Piotr Zielinski scored in the 54th minute. The Polish midfielder converted with a right-footed shot from the left side of the box to the center of the goal after being set up by Ange-Yoan Bonny. The goal silenced the home crowd temporarily and showcased Inter's resilience.

Both managers turned to their benches to influence the outcome, with Atlético making five substitutions including the introduction of Antoine Griezmann, who would prove decisive. The French international's impact was felt in the dying moments when he delivered a pinpoint cross following a corner in the third minute of stoppage time. Giménez rose highest in the center of the box and powered his header to the bottom right corner, beyond Yann Sommer's reach to secure all three points.

The victory improves Atlético Madrid's Champions League position significantly, moving them to nine points after five matches and boosting their chances of securing a top-eight finish that would guarantee direct qualification to the Round of 16. Meanwhile, Inter suffered their first defeat in the competition but remain well-positioned in third place with 12 points. The result rewarded the passionate Atlético supporters who created an electric atmosphere throughout the 90 minutes, celebrating wildly as their team showcased their fighting spirit and quality when it mattered most.