Tata Martino earns a draw on his return to Miami with Atlanta United

Gerardo “Tata” Martino returned to Miami, but his Atlanta United side left with only a 2-2 draw after a late penalty rescued the visitors.

Inter Miami took the lead in the 32nd minute when Casemiro headed home. Atlanta responded three minutes later after Miguel Almirón capitalized on a poor clearance by Casemiro inside the home penalty area.

Luis Suárez restored Miami’s advantage in stoppage time before halftime with his 12th goal of the season. Almirón had a chance to equalize from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute, but Dayne St. Clair saved his effort.

Atlanta received another penalty in the 87th minute, and Swiss forward Breel Embolo converted it to make the final score 2-2. The result left Miami unable to cut into Nashville’s lead in the Supporters’ Shield race. Nashville remained top of the East and the MLS with 53 points, 10 ahead of Miami and the Vancouver Whitecaps, who lead the West.

The match also brought Martino back to the club where he coached from 2023 to 2024. He returned to Atlanta this season, having previously led the team to the MLS title in 2018.