Despite two recent dominant wins, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano and winger Tadeo Allende remain wary of Nashville SC’s potential, remembering past playoff upsets as they aim to clinch a spot in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Inter Miami CF travels to GEODIS Park for Game 2 of their Round One Best-of-3 series against Nashville SC this Saturday, seeking to secure a spot in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
The Herons hold the series advantage following a dominant 3-1 victory in Game 1, a result achieved through a decisive Lionel Messi brace and a crucial goal from Tadeo Allende.
Miami’s confidence is bolstered by a commanding 7W-0L-2D record against Nashville since Messi’s arrival in mid-2023, a period in which the Argentine star has scored 12 goals in eight matchups against the Coyotes.
Despite the recent run of success, coach Javier Mascherano is preaching caution, acutely aware of the risk of complacency. “We have to understand that Nashville have given us a lot of difficulties,” Mascherano told reporters.
“We’ve resolved them well, but they’ll likely make things difficult for us again tomorrow. And we have to be prepared for that.”
The coach warned that Nashville, who possess dangerous players like 2022 MVP Hany Mukhtar and striker Sam Surridge, could capitalize on any errors.
“We know we have to improve because there will come a day when they cash in on them,” Mascherano added.
Winger Tadeo Allende echoed the need for respect, recalling Miami’s shocking elimination last year after taking a 1-0 lead. “Confidence is key for a team,” Allende said. “But you can’t underestimate your opponent because anything can happen.”
He concluded with conviction: “I have a lot of faith in us. We’re playing very well, we’re very united, we’ve very strong… But I’ll say it again: you cannot underestimate your opponents because there are some tough teams, teams with a lot of experience. You have to respect them.”