Atlanta United FC vs Columbus Crew

Atlanta United FC came away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium with nothing to show for a goalless first half that had promised a tighter contest. Columbus Crew found their rhythm after the break and pulled away for a 1-3 win, turning a cagey opener into a comfortable night on the road. Atlanta had more of the ball, controlling 58% of possession, but that dominance never translated into real cutting edge. Columbus made their spells of pressure count, firing 16 shots to Atlanta's 7 and forcing 7 saves compared to the home side's 4 on target. The set-piece count told its own story too, with Columbus winning 8 corners to Atlanta's 4, a sign of how much territory they controlled once the game opened up. For Atlanta, there will be frustration that so much of the ball came with so little end product, and questions now over how they turn possession into goals. Columbus, meanwhile, showed the kind of efficiency that wins points away from home, and this result will give their locker room plenty of confidence heading into the next round of fixtures.

Atlanta United FC 1-3 Columbus Crew was the final score at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in a game where Columbus Crew did enough across the ninety minutes to deserve the three points. Even without the extra share of possession, which finished 58% in favour of Atlanta United FC, Columbus Crew made the most of the chances that mattered and did enough to see the game out. The shot count told a similar story, with 7 attempts from Atlanta United FC against 16 from Columbus Crew over the course of the game. It was not always comfortable for Columbus Crew, and Atlanta United FC pushed for a way back into the game, but the result stood. Games like this can carry real weight later in the season, so this is a scoreline worth remembering. Below is a closer look at how the match broke down, statistically.