Gimenez’s Last-Gasp Header Lifts Atletico Madrid to Dramatic 2–1 Win Over Inter

Atletico Madrid have made a habit of turning their home ground into a cauldron where visiting giants come undone, and tonight was no exception. In a fierce, grinding Champions League battle at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano, Los Colchoneros edged Inter 2–1 thanks to José Giménez, whose towering header deep into added time sparked celebrations that felt almost like a trophy lift.

The match couldn’t have opened with more controversy. Julian Alvarez thought he had fired Atleti ahead in the ninth minute, sweeping home after Baena’s duel at the back post. The referee initially ruled it out for handball, but VAR intervened. After a long review, the decision was overturned, giving Atletico a 1–0 lead and sending the stadium into a frenzy.

Inter responded with composure. Dimarco threatened twice within minutes, flashing a cross-shot wide and later picking out Barella, who cracked the bar with a gorgeous lofted effort seconds after halftime. Calhanoglu then tested Musso with a fizzing low strike from distance. The visitors controlled spells of possession, and Diego Simeone’s side despite their intensity struggled to create clear chances.

Their resistance broke in the 54th minute. Ange-Yoan Bonny coolly received the ball on the edge of the box, scanned the field and slid a perfect pass through the defence. Piotr Zielinski didn’t hesitate stroking a precise finish into the bottom-right corner. Inter deserved their equaliser and carried the momentum.

But Atletico Madrid, especially at home, are never truly beaten, Simeone turned to his bench, and Antoine Griezmann’s impact was immediate. Atleti pushed forward with renewed urgency, with chances falling to Sorloth, Simeone and Griezmann himself. Inter defended bravely, Sommer making a crucial block to deny Griezmann from a tight angle, while Thuram nearly snatched the lead at the other end with a header that skimmed over the bar.

Then came the moment the Metropolitano was waiting for, In the 93rd minute, Griezmann swung in a corner with pinpoint precision. José Giménez climbed above everyone, meeting the ball with a monstrous header that ripped into the net and detonated the stadium. Simeone sprinted down the touchline, fists pumping, roaring at the sky. Inter’s unbeaten run was over. Atletico’s home perfection remained intact.

With the win, Atleti climb to nine points and narrow the gap on Inter, who have suffered consecutive defeats in just four days after their derby loss to Milan. Simeone’s men now gear up for a LaLiga encounter against Real Oviedo, while Inter travel to Pisa hoping to halt their sudden slide. A night defined by grit, drama and late magic Atletico Madrid’s trademark.