Inter Milan lost 2-1 to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase on November 26, 2025, at the Estadio Metropolitano. A stoppage-time header from Jose Gimenez secured the win for the hosts after Piotr Zielinski had equalized Julian Alvarez's early goal. Despite the setback, Inter remain on 12 points and in contention for the knockout stages.
Inter Milan, coached by Cristian Chivu, entered the match with a perfect record in the Champions League League Phase but suffered their first defeat of the 2025/26 season. Atletico Madrid took the lead early through Julian Alvarez, but Inter fought back after the break with a goal from Piotr Zielinski to level the score at 1-1.
The game remained tense until stoppage time, when Jose Gimenez headed in a corner to give Atletico a dramatic 2-1 victory. This result left Inter in fourth place with 12 points from five matches, tied with Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid. Arsenal lead the table with a perfect 15 points following their 3-1 win over Bayern.
Despite the loss, Inter are well-positioned for progression. According to Football Rankings, 10 points typically secure a top-24 spot for the playoff round, and they are already assured of that. A top-eight finish, granting a direct Round of 16 berth, usually requires 17 points, though 16 may suffice. With three games left against Liverpool, Arsenal, and Borussia Dortmund, Inter need just four or five more points to achieve it.
Former player Paolo Di Canio praised Inter as the best-equipped Italian side for the Champions League but noted challenges. "Inter are the best equipped, but too many things didn’t work in Madrid," Di Canio said in an interview with La Repubblica. He highlighted issues like lack of hunger, with specific mentions of Hakan Calhanoglu's ball losses and Lautaro Martinez's frustration upon substitution. Di Canio urged Chivu to address excuses and instill more competitiveness, comparing the need for players like Maldini or Vialli.
The defeat marks Inter's second loss in a row, following domestic setbacks against Juventus, Milan, Napoli, and now Atletico. Alessandro Bastoni was seen reacting to Alvarez's goal, underscoring defensive concerns in big matches.
