Atlas FC became the first team to be eliminated from the 2025 Leagues Cup after suffering two consecutive defeats in the group stage.
Los Rojinegros failed to earn any points against Inter Miami and Orlando City, leaving them mathematically out of contention for the next round of the binational tournament between Liga MX and MLS.
A Tough Start Against Messi and Inter Miami
Atlas made its tournament debut on July 30 against Inter Miami CF at Chase Stadium. The match was dominated by Lionel Messi, who provided two crucial assists, including one in the 96th minute which sealed the win. Despite showing defensive discipline in the first half, Atlas couldn’t withstand Miami’s attacking pressure.
The loss meant Atlas needed a win in its second match to keep its hopes alive, but things went from bad to worse.
Eliminated by Orlando with Zero Points
On August 2, Atlas stayed in Florida, travelling to Orlando City at Exploria Stadium. Needing three points and favorable results to advance, the Mexican side failed to respond. Orlando controlled much of the match and earned a 3–1 victory, with goals from Duncan McGuire, Facundo Torres, and Nicolás Lodeiro. Jeremy Márquez scored the lone goal for Los Rojinegros, but it wasn’t enough to avoid elimination.
With the second straight loss, Atlas have one last match in the tournament, facing Atlanta United on August 6, who also suffered elimination after losses to Necaxa and Pumas.
A Harsh International Setback
For a club that had shown signs of resurgence in recent Liga MX tournaments, this early exit represents a major setback. Atlas entered the competition with reinforced high hopes; however, a lack of attacking power and defensive lapse ultimately sent the club packing at the first hurdle.
Being the first team eliminated from the tournament only amplifies the disappointment among fans and reignites doubts about the club’s planning, squad depth, and coaching decisions.
Focus Shifts to the Apertura 2025
With the Leagues Cup out of the picture, Atlas must pick itself up and quickly turn its attention to the Apertura 2025, where early performances have already raised concerns.
Elimination should serve as a wake-up call, prompting a reassessment of tactics, mentality, and performance. International competitions have little room for error, and it's a harsh reality check for the team.
Now, the challenge is to turn this early failure into motivation for the rest of the season.
Later on in the night, it was confirmed that Querétaro would join Atlas back on the flight to Mexico as they were also eliminated from this summer's Leagues Cup after an initial 4-1 loss to Minnesota United and a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Portland Timbers.
Do you think Atlas's early exit reflects a deeper issue within the team, or was it just bad luck in a tough group? Let us know!