Atlanta United stormed to a resounding 4-1 victory over Liga MX side Atlas FC in their final Leagues Cup group stage match, finally putting an end to their poor run of results against Mexican opponents. Not only was it the Five Stripes’ first-ever win in Leagues Cup history, but it also served as a bittersweet return for former head coach Gonzalo Pineda, now managing Atlas. What was billed as a tense reunion turned into a one-sided affair at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, as Atlanta spectacularly rediscovered its attacking firepower.
Coming into the match, Atlanta had lost both of their previous Leagues Cup games this season, including their latest 3-2 loss to Universidad Nacional.