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VAR Saves Inter Miami In Draw Against St. Louis
Eastern Conference leaders Inter Miami battled St. Louis to a 3-3 draw at Chase Stadium on Saturday, with VAR intervention playing a pivotal role in saving the day for Miami.
The match began with a bang as St. Louis midfielder Chris Durkin unleashed a thunderous strike into the top corner in the 15th minute, putting the visitors ahead. However, Messi then worked his magic to get Miami back on level terms in the 25th minute, wrongfooting the St.Louis defense before passing to Alba on the flank. Alba’s return cross was met by Messi who swept in a low finish to make it 1-1.
Former Miami player Indiana Vassilev restored the lead for St. Louis with a clinical finish in the 41st minute, only for Luis Suarez to level the score just before halftime, converting Alba’s well-placed cross. The battle continued in the second half as a stroke of misfortune saw Suarez inadvertently deflect a shot into his net, leaving Miami trailing 3-2.
With time running out and Miami fans growing anxious, a moment of high drama unfolded as Julian Gressel’s perfectly weighted pass found Alba in space, who calmly slotted home what initially seemed to be the equalizing goal. The celebrations were short-lived as the linesman flagged offside, casting doubt on Miami’s hopes of salvaging a point. However, VAR official Daniel Radford’s intervention ultimately led to the goal being awarded after replays revealed Alba was onside, much to the relief of the home crowd.
As Miami pushed for a late winner, Marcelo Weigandt came agonizingly close with a powerful strike that was expertly parried away by St. Louis goalkeeper Roman Burki, denying Miami a dramatic victory.
Inter Miami remains top of the Eastern Conference standings with 35 points from 18 games, closely pursued by Cincinnati, who trail by two points with two games in hand.
