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And. We. Are. Back. (Finally.)
A new era officially dawns with the start of competitive play for Gabriel Heinze’s Atlanta United tonight in the Concacaf Champions League, and with it comes the first opportunity for most of us to see the new-look squad for ourselves. The four match preseason now completed, it’s time to see how well the team has molded together when up against a top Central American club in a high stakes Round of 16 away leg.
CCL away days haven’t been the friendliest for Atlanta, the first similarly being the start of Frank de Boer’s tenure back in 2019 and ending in a 3-1 loss to fellow Costa Rican side Herediano. A 1-1 draw away to Motagua in early 2020 was a very nice result work with in the second leg back home. Now tasked with Alajuelense, who are undefeated through 16 matches of league play, it’d be wise not to expect a big win and/or some revolutionary, flowing tactical style.
It’ll be rough, it’ll be dirty, and there will certainly be multiple cases of questionable refereeing. To ask for anything else, though, is to spit in the face of everything that makes CCL Fever what it is. I’m ready, and if you are too, then check out our match preview and lineup prediction, then hop into the match thread as Atlanta United re-introduces themselves to us this evening.
L.D. Alajuelense’s Lineup:
¡Así alineará Liga Deportiva Alajuelense!
— L.D.A. (@ldacr) April 6, 2021
Vamos León, de seguro vas a ser campeón, aquí estoy... pic.twitter.com/fnQSultB7h
Atlanta United’s Lineup:
#ATLUTD Starting XI vs @ldacr pic.twitter.com/Imo91wKNwX
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) April 6, 2021
How to Watch:
Venue: Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto, Alajuela, Costa Rica
Kickoff Time: Tuesday, April 6th, 8:00 P.M. ET
Available TV: FS1, TUDN
Available Streaming: FOX Sports GO, fuboTV (Free Trial)
Available Radio: None
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