Atlanta United returns home to conclude the Group Stage of Leagues Cup 2024, facing Liga MX’s Santos Laguna at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday. A win, whether in regulation or via a penalty shootout, will advance Atlanta to the Knockout stage. A Santos Laguna victory would see them, alongside D.C. United, progressing from the group. Atlanta fought back from a two-goal deficit against D.C. United last week to earn a point, though D.C. won the shootout 6-5. Santos Laguna suffered a 3-0 defeat at D.C. United earlier this week. Here’s a look at the Tools to the Match presented by Home Depot for the clash with Santos Laguna.
While Atlanta defeated D.C. United by scoring three goals. in regulation, they’ll try to correct their defensive errors before playing again in Washington, D.C. The goals for United were the result of defensive errors in focus. Atlanta’s defense recovered in the second half and stopped D.C. United had little opportunities to score clearly.
Santos Laguna just suffered a 3-0 loss to D.C. united, and they’ll be seeking a total recovery. In the first game, the team’s xG value was 0.6 and they only managed three shots on goal. With just one point from their first four games in Liga MX Apertura, they have had a challenging start to the season. The burden is on them to perform well in this next match.
For the entire ninety minutes on Sunday, that level of concentration and defensive effort will be necessary. Atlanta’s defense should be in a strong position to secure the required victory to move on to the Knockout stage if they can control their own errors and make Santos Laguna try to outplay them offensively.
Salvador Mariscal, a product of the Club’s academy, and Franco Fagundez, who joined the squad at the beginning of the calendar year, lead the midfield for the team. The Atlanta midfield must contain the Uruguayan striker, who controls the attack,
in order to force Santos Laguna to find alternative avenues of attack. With just one goal in four league games and a shutout in their League Cup debut, the club has had difficulty scoring goals early in the season. On Sunday afternoon, Atlanta will be anxious to avoid letting this team win.
Atlanta has had consistent success attacking from both wings during the last few games. Strong wing play by players like Xande Silva on the left or Saba Lobjanidze on the right continues to create opportunities for Atlanta.
Brooks Lennon is still one of the league’s most potent attacking right backs on the right side. With a pinpoint cross to Daniel Ríos for the game’s first goal versus D.C., he demonstrated that once more.
United the previous week. Lennon is getting closer to breaking the club’s record for most assists ever. He currently has 35 with ATL UTD throughout all competitions, with a 39 record. Atlanta will generate scoring opportunities if they can maintain utilizing their quickness and combination play on the wing.
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.