ATL Standard

Atlanta United faces a crucial match against Mexican side Santos Laguna on Sunday, August 4, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This game will be the second in Atlanta's participation in this year's Leagues Cup and will determine the standings for Group East 7 of the competition.

Previously, Atlanta United and D.C. United played to a 3-3 draw at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Friday, July 26. Both teams earned a point from the match, with D.C. securing an additional point by winning the penalty shootout round. On Wednesday, July 31, D.C. United defeated Santos Laguna 3-0, ensuring their top position in the group heading into the knockout stage.

The current standings indicate that either Atlanta or Santos will finish second in Group East 7. The top two teams from each group advance to the knockout stages, starting with the Round of 32. Should Atlanta United advance, they could potentially host New York City FC at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Georgia Tech's campus.

For Atlanta United, Sunday's match is straightforward: win and advance. The team needs all possible support due to the must-win nature of this encounter to continue their run in the Leagues Cup. Regardless of other results within the group, Atlanta must secure a victory over Santos Laguna to move forward.

A win for Atlanta—whether achieved during regular play or through penalty kicks—would ensure they finish second in the group and advance to the Round of 32. Conversely, a loss would eliminate them from the competition entirely. Even if both teams end up with two points after a penalty shootout win for Santos Laguna, head-to-head results serve as the first tiebreaker under Leagues Cup rules.

Match details are as follows:

Leagues Cup Matchday 3: Atlanta United vs Santos Laguna (MEX)

Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Date: Sunday, August 4

Time: 4 p.m.