Gimenez clinches Atletico thrilling late triumph against Inter Milan
Jose Gimenez scored a last-gasp winner to give Atletico Madrid a 2-1 win against Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday, handing the Italian team their initial loss in the tournament.
Julian Alvarez put Atletico ahead early, helping Diego Simeone's squad improve their prospects for a top-eight position after a patchy beginning to the group stage.
Piotr Zielinski drew level for Inter during the second period, yet the away side weakened towards the end, allowing Atletico to make the most of it.
Gimenez nodded in Antoine Griezmann's corner to secure a crucial success for the Rojiblancos amid a vibrant atmosphere at the Metropolitano stadium.
"This match was challenging, but we had to take the points, and doing so means we can now aim to advance straight to the knockout rounds," the Uruguayan centre-back shared with Movistar.
"We managed to endure the most difficult phases," commented a satisfied Simeone, who once played for Inter earlier in his career.
"This result was essential," he continued. "A strike like that one... it instils confidence to persist and trust in our approach."
New Inter manager Cristian Chivu lined up Lautaro Martinez and Ange-Yoan Bonny in attack, leaving Marcus Thuram on the bench following the recent setback in the derby versus AC Milan.
The Italians missed Denzel Dumfries and Henrikh Mkhitaryan too, as they aimed to preserve their perfect record at the start of the event.
The journey to Madrid presented last term's runners-up with their inaugural significant challenge in Europe this campaign, after four relatively straightforward encounters.
Federico Dimarco threatened twice right at the outset, with Atletico keeper Juan Musso deflecting his free-kick, before the Italian full-back shot just past the post from a promising spot.
Even with Inter's proactive opening, Atletico struck first, as Alvarez fired into the net from near range after the ball bounced favourably his way.
The effort was first disallowed for handball involving Alex Baena, but the official upheld it post-VAR check, determining it had struck his midriff instead.
This marked Alvarez's tenth strike of the term in various contests, proving the ex-Manchester City forward indispensable to the Rojiblancos.
Musso, deputising for the sidelined Jan Oblak, parried Hakan Calhanoglu's long-range attempt while Inter pressed for parity.
The away outfit dominated much of the opening 45 minutes, and Dimarco nearly scored once more with a bending shot that skimmed the top corner.
Following defeats to fellow Serie A clubs Milan and Napoli, novice boss Chivu sought his debut major win leading Inter.
The Italians nearly tied it early in the second half, as Nicolo Barella superbly controlled a lofted pass and lofted it onto the bar.
It came as little shock when Inter equalised on 54 minutes, Bonny setting up Zielinski to finish neatly.
For all my loved ones
Atletico regained composure after going behind, and the tempo eased, with Inter appearing happy to settle for a draw.
Alexander Sorloth blazed over, and Yann Sommer denied Griezmann up close, as Simeone's team searched for the decisive blow.
The Swiss goalkeeper also stopped Marc Pubill's effort, with the home side gaining momentum late on, until they netted the second in the third added minute.
Gimenez connected with Griezmann's corner using his forehead, sending the ball beyond Sommer to ignite joyous scenes and lift Atletico to 12th place, Inter holding fourth.
"That was a goal dedicated to all my dear ones, my family, my mates who stick by me through thick and thin, those who kept faith in me no matter what," Gimenez explained.
With remaining matches versus PSV, Galatasaray, and Bodo/Glimt, Simeone's outfit can now aspire to a strong finish.
Inter meanwhile welcome Premier League outfits Liverpool and Arsenal at home, prior to a tough away date with Borussia Dortmund in their remaining tests.