The 5-Stripes showed plenty of energy in moments throughout the match, displaying good combinations, especially through the wings. However, Necaxa proved superior by playing simpler and creating more damage in the final third, particularly with set pieces. Both of Necaxa's second-half goals came directly from corner kicks.
Atlanta United remains winless in Leagues Cup history, and will have two more opportunities to turn their fortunes around against Pumas (Saturday) and Atlas (Wednesday, August 6 | 7:30 pm - View tickets).
What happened
Atlanta United immediately dominated possession, orchestrating their attack through a well-composed midfield and effective use of the wings. On the left, Pedro Amador and Luke Brennan consistently created danger, while Miguel Almirón and Ronald Hernández combined effectively on the right to open space for Jamal Thiaré up front. However, Necaxa's organized defense conceded little space to Atlanta's striker, who was constantly marked by two defenders.
The Mexican team broke the deadlock in the 12th minute after a bizarre sequence and an incredibly confusing VAR review.
Necaxa midfielder Kevin Ante's cross from the right was backheeled by Alejandro Andrade. The ball deflected off Derrick Williams' attempt to clear, leading to a shot by Pavel Pérez. The shot bounced off Williams' arm as he dove to block it, but the rebound was taken by Raúl Sánchez with his knee. After hitting the crossbar, the ball ultimately found the net after deflecting off Brad Guzan, who was extending himself to clear it.
Controversy erupted when the referee was called to review a potential handball by Williams, despite Necaxa already having the advantage. After a five-minute delay and considerable anticipation from everyone in the stadium, the referee ultimately validated the goal.
Despite Necaxa briefly taking control of possession, Alexey Miranchuk equalized for Atlanta United in the 28th minute. A beautiful one-two between Thiaré and Miranchuk led to the Russian midfielder sending a long ball to Luke Brennan. Brennan dribbled past a defender and delivered a precise through ball to Tristan Muyumba. The Frenchman's cross was blocked by Necaxa goalkeeper Luis Unsain, but the rebound fell directly to Miranchuk's left foot, leaving him an easy tap-in.
This marked Miranchuk's eighth goal for Atlanta United in all competitions and his second consecutive match scoring for the club, following his incredible strike against Seattle Sounders on Saturday. The only other time Miranchuk scored in back-to-back matches was in September of last year against Inter Miami and New York Red Bulls during the MLS Regular Season.
Second Half Analysis: Necaxa Seals Victory
The second half began slowly, with both teams sharing possession for the initial 25 minutes.
Action finally picked up in the 66th minute when Almirón's free kick was deflected by the defensive wall, with a potential handball. The referee consulted VAR, and following the review, awarded a foul on Enea Mihaj, who had just entered the match a minute prior, replacing Stian Gregersen.
Alongside the Albanian defender, Will Reilly replaced Muyumba, Emmanuel Latte Lath came on for Thiaré, and Brooks Lennon entered for Amador as Atlanta looked to close out the match.
Following these substitutions, Almirón seemed to find a second wind. Atlanta's captain moved tirelessly, seeking to open spaces. After a beautiful aerial through ball to Latte Lath, which wasn't capitalized on, the Paraguayan followed up with a left-footed shot from inside the box that unfortunately struck the crossbar.
Atlas then scored their second goal in the 77th minute.
Tomás Badaloni perfectly headed a corner kick delivered by Agustín Palavecino. Guzan had no chance to prevent the goal, as Badaloni made a well-timed run from the edge of the box, unmarked by any Atlanta defender.
Saba Lobjanidze was brought in, replacing Williams, to provide more attacking depth. With this change, Ronny Deila also adjusted his formation, sending Slisz back to play as a center-back, shifting Almirón and Hernández to the left, while Saba and Lennon combined on the right.
Badaloni went on to seal the victory for Necaxa in the 90th minute plus one. He was left unmarked directly in front of goal, despite being surrounded by Atlanta defenders. Cristian Calderón received a ball outside the box following a corner kick, and his attempt to shoot inadvertently set up Badaloni, who had no trouble slotting it past a helpless Guzan.
Up Next:
Atlanta United will travel to Orlando, Florida, to face Pumas as part of a Leagues Cup doubleheader. Atlanta will conclude Phase One of the Leagues Cup by hosting Atlas at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (View tickets)
