Luis Suarez proved the hero for Inter Miami after scoring two penalties to hand his side a 2-1 win over Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup quarter-final on Wednesday night at Chase Stadium, Florida.
With Lionel Messi sidelined due to a minor muscle injury, Suarez stepped up to deliver when it mattered most. The 38-year-old striker converted spot-kicks in both halves to send Miami through to the semi-finals of the cross-border tournament featuring clubs from Major League Soccer and Mexico’s Liga MX.
“We rely on how Leo feels, and it wasn’t the best,” assistant coach Javier Morales said before the game. “We preferred not to take risks, not to go backward in his recovery.”
Miami opened the scoring in the 20th minute after Javier Aquino handled the ball inside the box. Suarez calmly slotted the penalty home to put his side ahead.
The match grew tense moments later as tempers flared between Miami midfielder Rodrigo De Paul and Tigres player Fernando Gorriaran, with Suarez stepping in to cool things down.
Just before halftime, Miami coach Javier Mascherano was sent off for protesting against the officials over added time. Forced to watch from the stands, he saw Tigres equalize in the 67th minute when Angel Correa found space between two defenders and fired past goalkeeper Oscar Ustari.
As the game edged towards extra time, another handball by Aquino in the 87th minute, confirmed by VAR, gave Miami a second penalty. Suarez made no mistake, sending goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman the wrong way to secure the win.
“The game was really difficult because they played very well,” Suarez said after the game. “Every day I just try my best to help the team win.”
The victory sets up a heated semi-final clash against Florida rivals Orlando City, who defeated Toluca FC 6-5 on penalties after a goalless draw. Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese stole the spotlight by saving two penalties and scoring the winner himself.
Orlando had beaten Miami 4-1 in an MLS clash earlier this month when Messi was also absent, making the upcoming meeting one to watch.
Beyond the fight for the trophy, teams are also chasing qualification spots for the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Both finalists and the third-place winner will qualify, with the champion earning direct entry into the Round of 16.
