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Can Atlanta United finally solve late-game collapse trend against Pumas?

Atlanta United's 2025 Leagues Cup campaign began familiarly — with heartbreak and late-game defensive lapses — as they suffered a 3-1 defeat to Liga MX side Necaxa on July 30, 2025. The loss not only exposed ongoing issues in Atlanta's play but also continued a troubling trend of underperformance against Mexican opposition in international competition.

Early chaos, brief hope and a late meltdown

Atlanta found themselves trailing just 12 minutes into the match following a bizarre own goal involving Derrick Williams and Brad Guzan. VAR reviews failed to overturn the decision, leaving the Five Stripes chasing the game.