Analysis The numbers behind the result
Clinical Suarez penalty steals Miami narrow win
On balance, CF Montreal will rue missed chances after posting a higher expected goals (xG) of 2.04 compared to Inter Miami's 1.72, despite falling to a 0-1 defeat. The hosts created higher-quality chances, with 7 of their 8 total shots coming from inside the box, but only managed 3 on target. Miami's Luis Suarez proved the difference, coolly converting an 81st-minute penalty - their only shot on target from inside the area.
Tactically, Miami's 58% possession translated into more shots (20 vs 8) but worse quality, with 9 of their attempts blocked and another 9 fired off target. The visitors relied heavily on speculative efforts, taking 9 shots from outside the box compared to Montreal's solitary long-range attempt. Defensively, both goalkeepers made crucial interventions, with 3 saves apiece and matching goals prevented metrics (1.05).
The decisive stat lies in making chances count: Montreal's superior xG was undone by clinical finishing, with Suarez's late penalty scooping Miami's only goal from a modest 1.72 xG.