2020 Concacaf Champions League — Round of 16, Leg 1
Motagua vs. Atlanta United
Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano — San Pedro Sula
February 18 — 10:00 PM ET
TV: FOX Soccer Plus, TUDNxtra 1
STREAMING: FOX Sports GO, TSN.ca/TSN App
Looking to learn, and build, from last year's inaugural sojourn, Atlanta United begin their second Concacaf Champions League run with a tricky tie at Motagua in the opening match of the Round of 16. At the same stage last year, the Five Stripes rebounded from a shock away loss to thrash Herediano, 4-0, at home and advance to the quarterfinals where they fell to Monterrey, 3-1, on aggregate. Rayados, coached by new Inter Miami CF manager Diego Alonso, went on to win the title.
Motagua have been one of Honduras' most successful clubs, winning 17 league titles, most recently claiming the 2019 Apertura crown. That success hasn't translated to the CCL, where they've failed to advance in their previous four appearances.
Atlanta had an active offseason, trading Julian Gressel to D.C. United, while Tito Villalba was transferred to Club Libertad in his native Paraguay. The Five Sripes signed Uruguayan winger Manuel Castro on loan from Argentine side Estudiantes and midfielder Matheus Rossetto from Athletico Paranaense. But because of a P-! Visa delay, Rossetto and Jake Mulraney, an Irish attacking player signed from Hearts, are unavailable for the first leg in Honduras. Castro also won't make the trip.
- Injury Report:
- OUT: Miles Robinson (D) - left quad injury
- OUT: Edgar Castillo (D) - rib injury
- OUT: George Bello (D) - spinal compression
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: None
- International duty: None
- Injury Report:
- QUESTIONABLE: Juan Pablo Montes (D) - undisclosed injury
- QUESTIONABLE: Rubilio Castillo (F) - undisclosed injury
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: None
- International duty: None
Series Matchup
- This is the first all-time meeting between Motagua and Atlanta United
- Concacaf Champions League history: Motagua - 4 appearances (2018, 2015/16, 2011/12, 2008/09): 4 wins, 12 losses, 2 ties (13 goals) … Atlanta United - 1 appearance (2019): 2 wins, 2 losses, 0 ties (6 goals)
