CF Montreal
Atlanta Vs. CF Montreal: A Rout in the Rain
Atlanta United delivered a brutal 3-0 demolition of CF Montreal in Major League Soccer’s Regular Season – Round 29, leaving the home side’s playoff hopes drowning in October rain. From the first whistle, Atlanta played like men possessed, with Miguel Almirón’s 22nd-minute opener setting the tone for a performance that blended slick attacking with cold, clinical finishing.
Montreal’s Nightmare Begins
The Stade Saputo crowd fell silent when Almirón latched onto Elías Báez’s through ball, dancing past two defenders before slotting home. Montreal’s 52% possession meant nothing – Atlanta’s ruthless counter-attacks carved them open again in the 41st minute. Giuliano Galoppo’s strike from the edge of the box was a dagger to the heart, the ball kissing the post before nestling in the net.
Embolo Seals the Wounds
Breel Embolo extinguished any lingering hope for Montreal just before the hour mark, finishing a move that saw Atlanta slice through Montreal’s defense like a hot knife through butter. The Swiss striker’s goal was Atlanta’s 8th shot on target from 18 attempts – a stark contrast to Montreal’s pitiful 2 shots on goal all night. Philippe Eullaffroy’s quadruple substitution at 67 minutes smacked of desperation, but Atlanta’s defense held firm.
What This Means for Both Sides
For Tata Martino’s Atlanta, this statement victory (2.14 xG to Montreal’s 0.3) cements their playoff credentials with five regular season games left. Montreal, meanwhile, are left staring at the abyss – wasteful in attack and porous at the back. The MLS playoff picture becomes clearer: Atlanta can dream of a deep run, while Montreal must pick up the pieces quickly before their season slips away entirely.
Key Moments
22′ ⚽ Atlanta United FC — Miguel Almirón (assist: Elías Báez)
41′ ⚽ Atlanta United FC — Giuliano Galoppo
60′ ⚽ Atlanta United FC — Breel Embolo
