Inter Miami CF contra Columbus Crew — MLS

**Inter Miami CF 2-2 Columbus Crew**

**What set this match apart:** This match was more unusual than 96% of matches. The unusualness was primarily driven by build-up (46%) and duels (30%). Both teams were extremely active in the opponent's half, completing 565 passes in total (99th percentile of joint volume), with Columbus Crew making 338 to Inter Miami CF's 227 (+111, 88th percentile of gaps). Conversely, both sides were also very active in their own halves, completing 478 passes in total (92nd percentile of joint volume), with Inter Miami CF making 306 to Columbus Crew's 172 (+134, 93rd percentile of gaps).

**How it played out:** Columbus Crew maintained a significant territorial advantage in the final third, while Inter Miami CF focused on a patient build-up from the back. Despite the high volume of passes, attacking down the flanks was limited, as there were only 3 accurate crosses in total (10th percentile of joint volume). Inter Miami CF was more successful in individual actions: they won 6 more ground duels (22 to 16, 76th percentile of gaps), 5 more successful dribbles (6 to 1, 86th percentile of gaps), and 3 more aerial duels (7 to 4, 70th percentile of gaps), even though these actions were rare in the match overall. Defensively, Inter Miami CF threw more bodies in front of shots with 4 blocks to Columbus Crew's 1 (+3, 91st percentile of gaps). Columbus Crew faced more pressure, recording 24 clearances to Inter Miami CF's 15 (+9, 67th percentile of gaps). In terms of creation, Inter Miami CF had the edge with 4 big chances to Columbus Crew's 2 (+2, 80th percentile of gaps).

**Verdict:** The fair probabilities are Inter Miami CF win 45%, draw 24%, and Columbus Crew win 31%. The performances pointed toward an Inter Miami CF win, but the actual result had only a 24% probability. With Inter Miami CF creating 4 big chances to 2, the draw was a narrow escape for the Columbus Crew.