Inter Milan have fallen for the first time in this year’s UEFA Champions League, losing 1–2 to Atlético Madrid after conceding a dramatic stoppage-time goal. A brilliant strike from Piotr Zieliński wasn’t enough to preserve Inter’s previously perfect record, as controversy surrounded Antoine Griezmann’s decisive effort from a corner that left both the Nerazzurri defense — and the referee — under scrutiny.

Inter entered the match severely weakened: Denzel Dumfries, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, and Matteo Darmian were all unavailable. Their places were taken by Yann Bisseck, Zielinski, and Andrew-Joan Bonny, with the team still managing to control possession and generate meaningful chances. Nicolò Barella stood out with a near “goal of the season” attempt, while Zieliński converted a beautifully worked move down the left flank with Bonny to put Inter ahead.

But Atlético responded with trademark resilience. Despite missing Marcos Llorente and goalkeeper Jan Oblak, Diego Simeone’s side capitalized on defensive lapses. José María Giménez blasted in from close range to level the match, and in added time Griezmann struck from a corner amid chaotic defending.

2025-26 UEFA Champions League

Atletico Madrid - Inter 2:1 (1:0)
Goals: Álvarez Jul., 12 (1:0); Zielinski P., 54 (1:1); Gimenez Jose, 93 (2:1)

Atletico Madrid: Musso; Gimenez Jose; Ruggeri (Sørloth, 68); Molina N. (Gonzalez N., 59); Hancko; Gallagher C. (Koke, 59); Cardoso Joao (Pubill, 59); Barrios P.; Álex Baena (Griezmann, 68); Álvarez Jul.; Simeone G-o
Substitution: Pubill (from 59); Koke (from 59); Gonzalez N. (from 59); Griezmann (from 68); Sørloth (from 68)
Bench: Esquivel S.; De Luis; Lenglet; Galán J.; Almada; Martín Car.; Raspadori

Inter: Sommer; Akanji; Carlos Augusto; Bisseck; Dimarco (Luis Henrique T.L., 80); Bastoni; Zielinski P. (Sucic P., 66); Çalhanoğlu (Frattesi, 72); Barella; Martínez L. (Pio Esposito, 72); Bonny (Thuram M., 66)
Substitution: Sucic P. (from 66); Thuram M. (from 66); Frattesi (from 72); Pio Esposito (from 72); Luis Henrique T.L. (from 80)
Bench: Martínez J-p; de Vrij; Acerbi; Cocchi; Alexiou; Diouf A.
Yellow Cards: Dimarco 44