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Competition: MLS Eastern Conference Final 1st Leg Date: Sunday 25th November Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Kick-Off: 22:00 GMT
Match Preview
Atlanta United and the New York Red Bulls were the two best teams in MLS this season, with the fight for the Supporter’s Shield not being decided until the final weekend of the regular season – which eventually resulted in the Red Bulls being triumphant.
Having already swept aside one side from New York in the playoffs, beating NYCFC in the semi-finals, Atlanta are now looking to defeat a side that they have had difficulty facing in their short history – losing both of the regular season matchups this season.
Meanwhile, the Red Bulls showed their resilience by fighting back from a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of the semi-finals to defeat Columbus on aggregate. They enter the game as slight favourites and securing a positive result away from home could provide a huge boost, with the winners of this matchup hosting the MLS final.
One to watch: Josef Martinez (Atlanta United)
Arguably the hottest player in North America right now, Josef Martinez boasts an incredible record of 33 goals in 36 MLS matches this season – having netted 19 in 21 matches in Atlanta’s inaugural MLS campaign last year.
The 25-year-old scored a brace in the second-leg victory over NYCFC two weeks ago, taking his post-season tally to three goals in three appearances – including last year’s conference semi-final defeat to Columbus Crew.
History & Stats
- Atlanta have never beaten the New York Red Bulls in four meetings (3L, 1D)
- Both of Atlanta’s two goals against the Red Bulls have come at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
- The Red Bulls are the only side to prevent Atlanta from scoring in the past 26 games.
