Tata Martino has returned to Mercedes-Benz Stadium as head coach of Atlanta United FC for the team’s home opener against Real Salt Lake. This marks Martino’s first match at home since rejoining the club, having last coached on the Atlanta United side over seven years ago.
The lineup features a notable change with designated player Alexey Miranchuk making his first start of the season. Miranchuk was one of Atlanta’s most consistent players in 2025, starting 31 MLS matches and contributing 10 goals and assists combined during league play. He joins captain Miguel Almirón and Emmanuel Latte Lath in an attacking trio as Atlanta United looks to end its goalless streak this season.
In midfield, Tristan Muyumba is set for his first start after coming off the bench in previous matches, joining Steven Alzate and Cooper Sanchez. Tomás Jacob moves into defense at right back alongside Enea Mihaj, Juan Berrocal, Elías Báez, with Lucas Hoyos returning as goalkeeper.
Martino commented on his return: “Tata Martino will coach his first home match in his return as head coach of Atlanta United. Martino’s winning percentage in home matches is .737 during MLS Regular Season play. That’s the highest winning percentage at home among current MLS coaches (minimum 20 home games coached).”
Miranchuk’s return is also highlighted: “Designated player Alexey Miranchuk is in line to make his first start of the regular season. The midfielder scored 6 goals and added 4 assists in MLS regular season matches in 2025.”
Cooper Sanchez continues to be a key figure: “Cooper Sanchez starts for a third consecutive match. The Homegrown midfielder became the youngest Atlanta United player to start a season opener in club history Feb. 21 when he featured in the midfielder against FC Cincinnati.”
Almirón approaches a milestone: “Miguel Almirón comes into the match with 35 assists, needing 2 to tie Brooks Lennon (37) for the most assists in Atlanta United’s MLS Regular Season history. He needs 4 assists to tie Lennon for most assists across all comps in club history.”
Jacob’s defensive impact was noted: “Tomás Jacob has been productive in his first two regular season matches, becoming just the ninth player in all of MLS since 2010 to record 20 duels won and 7 tackles won. He’s the first to put up those numbers since 2019.”
Additional roster updates include Matías Galarza being named on the bench after signing earlier this week.
Atlanta United aims to become only the second team in Major League Soccer history to win at least seven consecutive home openers, having won their last six opening matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Real Salt Lake represents another Western Conference challenge; historically, Atlanta holds a favorable record with three wins out of five encounters between these teams.
Atlanta United FC operates from Atlanta, Georgia (official website) and competes as part of Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference (official website). The club achieved significant success by securing victories in both domestic and international competitions including an MLS Cup win in 2018 (official website), U.S. Open Cup and Campeones Cup triumphs during subsequent seasons (official website).
The full starting XI for Atlanta United vs Real Salt Lake includes Lucas Hoyos; Tomás Jacob; Juan Berrocal; Enea Mihaj; Elías Báez; Tristan Muyumba; Steven Alzate; Cooper Sanchez; Alexey Miranchuk; Miguel Almirón (captain); Emmanuel Latte Lath.
Reserves are Jayden Hibbert, Stian Gregersen, Ronald Hernández, Pedro Amador, Matt Edwards, Matías Galarza, Luke Brennan, Saba Lobjanidze.
