Atlanta United took a lead at Third Fifth Bank Stadium on Tuesday night and didn’t look back against Motagua.
The MLS side advanced to the 2020 Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals after a 3-0 second leg win over the Honduran visitors. Pity Martinez scored his first goals of the competition, while Josef Martinez made it two goals in two appearances against Motagua.
It was a strong first-half for the Five Stripes who had numerous chances to score, despite being out possessed. However, it was one of their key playmakers who swung the match in the hosts favor.
Pity Martinez shimmied away from the Motagua backline inside of the box, before rifling a low effort into the bottom-right corner in the 40th minute.
The lead would be extended in the 61st minute with both Martinez’s linking up for the finish. Pity picked up possession just over midfield before unleashing a through ball for Josef to chase. Josef would round Motagua keeper Jonathan Felipe Rougier and tap into an empty goal.
⚽ WHAT A GOAL! ? @JosefMartinez17 and “Pity” Martínez combination once again!@ATLUTD ?? #SCCL2020 #ATLvMO pic.twitter.com/uodzISNEhd
— Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League (@TheChampions) February 26, 2020
Frank de Boer’s side continued to keep the pressure on with Pity Martinez scoring his second goal of the night. Rougier collided with Josef Martinez just outside of the box, allowing the Argentinian to race into the box and chip home the loose ball.
Beautiful goal by “Pity” Martínez gives @ATLUTD ?? a 4-1 lead on the aggregate over @MOTAGUAcom ?? | #SCCL2020 #ATLvMOT pic.twitter.com/Edz4RQDoCU
— Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League (@TheChampions) February 26, 2020
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The MLS side would hold on for the home victory, not allowing a single shot on goal from Motagua.
Up next is the start of MLS play for the Five Stripes who visit expansion side Nashville SC on Saturday.
The CONCACAF referees are horrible. They failed to give ATL UTD a penalty in the first half when Pity was fouled in the box, with the defender clearly not touching any part of the ball when Pity was taken down. In what part of the world is this not a foul? CONCACAF jungle ball.
Also the GK came out with his leg and studs high challenging Josef on that last goal. Ridiculous.
Seeing obvious incidents like this go unpunished makes you wonder why VAR isn’t used…
opportunity for corruption. Never a dull moment in CONCACAF.
Vamos vamos vamos A. T. L. ?? ??