Cincinnati star Evander: ‘Inter Miami will give us space to play’

The 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs are heating up. After the November international break, MLS returns with one of the most anticipated match-ups of the postseason as FC Cincinnati take on Inter Miami.

Miami swept past Nashville SC in Round one, with Lionel Messi at his ruthless best. The Eastern Conference semi-final will take place at Cincinnati’s TQL Stadium, with a sell-out crowd expected. Messi will, as always, have top billing but Miami will come up against another of the league’s most feared attacking talents.

The Blue and Orange will be led by Evander da Silva, the dynamic No. 10 and creative engine in attack. Ahead of the Miami game, Evander spoke to Apple TV about what it will take for Cincinnati to beat Messi’s Inter Miami.

“I think we’ll have to play like we did against them in the first game at home,” he explained. “Play with confidence. We know who we’re playing against, of course. We have to respect the opponent we’re facing, but we must play with confidence.”

“We’re going to have space to play. We’re going to have the possibility to create plays. It’s going to be a completely different game than the one against Columbus.“

“But we need to have in mind that it will also be a different game than the regular season games. Because now it’s the playoffs, the atmosphere will be electric. There’s also more responsibility now. If we do our game plan we’re gonna be all right.”

Evander has history against Miami

When the two teams met earlier this year at TQL Stadium, FC Cincinnati ran out 3-0 winners against a Miami team that included Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Evander scored twice in that statement win and he will be hopeful of putting on a repeat performance.

Their second regular season meeting ended in a scoreless draw at Chase Stadium, with Miami missing Messi and Alba due to suspension. This time, all the stars will be on show as Inter Miami take on one of the strongest MLS teams of recent years.

Cincinnati will host Miami on Sunday, November 23. The game will be played at Cincy’s TQL Stadium with kick-off set for 5:00pm ET.

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