Atlanta United Advances: Montréal & Atlanta United played an intriguing contest in the 23rd of October 2024, MLS playoffs. The match finished 2-2 following normal time, the Atlanta United winning 5-4 in the penalty shoot. With both squads vying for a spot in the next round in the playoffs, the match proved a rollercoaster of emotions. While Joséf Martínez scored twice for Montréal, Atlanta United had prevailed in the shootout thanks to their composure.
Atlanta United Advances After Penalty Drama in Thrilling 2-2:
First Half:
Both teams sought to take control of the game in the beginning. Brooks Lennon gave Atlanta United, who are renowned for their fast and forceful offensive style, the lead in the 29th minute. In the build-up to the goal, Atlanta’s midfielders had some nice interaction. Lennon calmly finished past Montréal’s goalkeeper after receiving a flawless pass on the edge of the box. Montréal was forced to chase the game after this early goal put them behind.
Despite their best efforts, Montréal was unable to penetrate Atlanta’s formidable defense. Stian Rode Gregersen gave Atlanta a double in the 44th minute, just before halftime. The Norwegian defender nodded home a well-delivered cross after finding space during a set-piece. Atlanta United looked to be in complete control going into half without a 2-0 lead.
Second Half:
Now under tremendous strain, Montréal fought hard in the second half. In pursuit of a goal, they pushed forward in numbers and played with greater urgency. When star forward Josef Martínez scored in the 63rd minute, their efforts were rewarded. Martínez calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner after receiving a well-timed pass inside the area, exciting the home crowd and cutting Atlanta’s lead in half.
Now that they had the momentum, Montréal kept up the pressure, and in the 89th minute, their efforts were rewarded. Following a bad challenge by an Atlanta defender in the box, they were given a penalty. In order to tie the score at 2-2 and force extra time, Josef Martínez stepped up and coolly converted the penalty.
Extra Time:
In overtime, both teams had possibilities, but neither had the chance to score the game-winning goal. With Martínez & his attacking players creating chances, Montréal appeared to be in greater likelihood of scoring, but Atlanta’s defense held firm. Atlanta, on the other end of the spectrum, relied on counterattacks but failed to make any headway, so penalties were used to settle the game.
Penalty Shootout:
It was Atlanta United that maintained composure in the penalty shootout. The first four penalties were converted by both teams, but Montréal struggled in the fifth round. The final penalty taker for Atlanta United calmly tapped home to win a 5-4 victory in the shootout after the goalie made a critical save to deny Montréal.
After an incredible comeback, Montréal was crushed but Atlanta United advanced to the next round in the MLS playoffs thanks to their win. Despite the heroics of Josef Martínez, who netted two goals to put his team back into the game, Atlanta’s poise in the shootout for penalties proved to be the difference.
