One Mexican team competing with MLS in the 2024 Leagues Cup

Atlas has stood out in the 2024 Leagues Cup, in a competition where other Liga MX teams like Pumas, Tijuana, Puebla, and Mazatlán FC could not overcome their MLS rivals. Even Chivas fell in the penalty shootout. That makes the red-and-blacks the first to elevate the name of Mexican football by defeating Houston Dynamo with a score of 0-1.

The team’s victory is significant, especially considering that the Dynamo has Héctor Herrera in its ranks, a familiar face in Mexican football. And this continues the good run of the Zorros, now spanning five consecutive matches without a loss, thanks to the excellent management of Spanish coach Beñat San José.

Atlas top group after Dynamo win

The Tapatío team arrived at Shell Energy Stadium to play their first match of the Leagues Cup and the decisive goal was a masterpiece by Rivaldo Lozano, who from the left-back position, hit the upper right corner leaving goalkeeper Steve Clark with no chance.

Although the end of the match was tense, with Atlas holding on, they managed to secure the three points, leaving them as leaders of Group H. The next challenge for the Rojinegros will be on August 1 against Real Salt Lake.

What is the Leagues Cup and how does it work?

The Leagues Cup is being contested for the second consecutive year between Liga MX and MLS, with all their franchises competing for the trophy. Last year, Inter Miami won the title with the standout performance of Lionel Messi. In this edition, 18 teams from Liga MX and 29 from MLS, totalling 47 teams, are participating. América and Columbus Crew do not play in the group stage, automatically progressing, which is divided into 15 groups of three teams each, from which the top two teams from each group will advance to the next round.

Once the 32 teams have qualified, the knockout stage will begin, including the round of 32, round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals, and the final, scheduled for August 25. All matches are being held in the United States.