The Rojinegros could not overcome the Philadelphia Union and were eliminated from the Concacaf Champions League after a tough second leg in Guadalajara.
Atlas and Philadelphia Union faced off in the return leg of the 2023 Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals at the Estadio Jalisco. The hosts took an early advantage when Julian Quinones found the net, but the visitors showed resilience, leveling the score and turning the aggregate into a close contest.
Despite Atlas seizing the initiative early, the Union managed to respond, finishing the match with a 2-2 draw in regulation. The visitors held the edge on aggregate, 3-2, to advance to the semifinals. The Foxes, encouraged by their previous comeback against Olimpia, pressed forward in search of another dramatic rally but fell just short.
In this recap, the best moments of the match are highlighted:
QUINONES PUTS ATLAS AHEAD
The forward broke through early, giving Atlas something to cheer about as the game began to unfold. The quick goal energized the home side and set the tone for an aggressive opening stretch.
CARRANZA REGAINS THE TOP SPOT
Moments later, Carranza stepped forward to reclaim a lead, showcasing composure and finishing that kept Atlas in the hunt as the clock ticked on. The stadium buzzed with anticipation as the tactical battle intensified.
FURCH RALLIES THE FOX
The veteran goalkeeper, Furch, produced a key save to keep Atlas alive in the contest, matching pace with Philadelphia’s attack and providing a lifeline for the home side as halftime approached.
GOOOOAL ATLAS! GOOOOL ATLAS! ⚽
Just before the interval, Furch’s save and the ensuing counterattack tightened the score to 2-1 against Philadelphia, rekindling hope for the red and black. The atmosphere in Jalisco grew electric as fans whispered about another potential comeback. The moment was captured and shared by media outlets covering the match.
– FOX Sports MX (@FOXSportsMX) April 13, 2023
In the second half, Philadelphia maintained discipline and capitalized on their aggregate advantage, denying Atlas multiple scoring opportunities and keeping the visitors on the back foot for long stretches of the match.
PHILADELPHIA CEMENTS ITS ADVANTAGE
As the clock wound down, Philadelphia anchored their performance with sturdy defending and efficient counterattacks, ensuring the aggregate score remained in their favor and the night ended with their advancement to the semifinals. The tactical balance of the match reflected a blend of experience and urgency from both sides, underscored by a relentless pursuit of qualification from Atlas, even as the final whistle closed out their hopes for a dramatic comeback.
Source: Goal