In a high-stakes showdown, Atlanta United is gearing up to face off against Santos Laguna in a crucial Leagues Cup elimination match this Sunday to determine the final knockout-stage spot in group East 7. The winner of this match will secure a spot alongside D.C. United in the Round of 32. With only one point to their name, Atlanta United will need to pull off a win against Santos Laguna, who are currently sitting at zero points in the group.
This tournament, featuring 47 clubs, including 18 from LIGA MX and 29 from MLS, has teams pausing their regular season to compete in this prestigious month-long competition. The ultimate prize is to be crowned the champion, with the top three finishers earning a spot in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.
For Atlanta United, the task at hand is clear: they must secure a victory after falling short in a penalty shootout against D.C. United earlier in the tournament. However, under the guidance of interim coach Rob Valentino, the team has been struggling to find their groove following the departures of key players like Thiago Almada, Giorgos Giakoumakis, and Caleb Wiley, who were all transferred abroad this summer, bringing in a substantial amount of funds for the club.
While awaiting the arrival of their new designated player, Alexey Miranchuk, all eyes will be on Saba Lobjanidze to lead the charge up front for Atlanta. Lobjanidze has been a standout performer for the Five Stripes, contributing to 13 goals (6 goals, 7 assists) in MLS action.
On the other side of the pitch, Santos Laguna will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 3-0 defeat to D.C. United in their Leagues Cup opener. With a shaky start to their LIGA MX Apertura campaign, where they have only managed to secure a single point from four matches, the pressure is on for Santos Laguna to come out on top in this do-or-die situation.
With goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo leading the team as captain and Honduran international Anthony Lozano stepping up in the absence of the injured JJ Macias, Santos Laguna will be aiming to make a statement and secure a spot in the knockout stage. Although they have fallen short in two previous Concacaf Champions Cup finals, Santos Laguna is determined to prove their mettle in this highly anticipated clash against Atlanta United.
