Atlas, a professional soccer team from Guadalajara, is set to compete in its last match of the Leagues Cup against Atlanta United, despite already being eliminated from the tournament. Following losses against Inter Miami and Orlando City, the team finds itself without a chance to proceed to the Quarterfinals. The match, scheduled for Wednesday at 5:30 PM at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, will solely serve as a matter of pride and a chance to avoid finishing at the bottom of the rankings.
Coach Gonzalo Pineda emphasized the significance of the match, stating, “Regardless of whether we have something to play for or not… there’s always pride at stake.” He underscored the importance of maintaining professionalism and putting forth a strong performance, even when the team is mathematically eliminated. Pineda is focusing on improving defensive aspects and building confidence ahead of the upcoming match against Pachuca.
While he acknowledges that the current format of the Leagues Cup has improved, he suggests that more spots be available for the knockout stage to allow more teams the chance to advance. “This format is interesting; it provides a real rivalry by playing only against teams from the other league,” he noted, but pointed out the challenge posed by having only a few teams qualify for the next round.
Pineda concluded by expressing optimism for his team’s capability to perform well, especially with the support of their fans back home following their bout in Atlanta.
This match, while lacking in tournament stakes for Atlas, serves as a critical opportunity for players to demonstrate their skills and instill confidence for future competitions.