Why Atlanta United's rout of FC Cincinnati mattered, and what we learned | OneFootball

In one of the most electrifying matches of the 2025 MLS season, Atlanta United stunned league leaders FC Cincinnati with a 4-2 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It wasn’t just a surprise result — it was a performance packed with energy, tactical clarity, and attacking brilliance. For head coach Ronny Deila, this may be the moment his Atlanta project truly comes to life.

Derrick Williams and Ajani Fortune put Atlanta out to a 2-0 halftime lead, and Bartosz Slisz and Jamal Thiaré each scored to restore a two-goal advantage after the break.

The result was one that just might be the most pivotal of the season.

Why this win matters for Atlanta United

Deila’s philosophy is taking shape

This display was the most complete performance from Atlanta under Ronny Deila. The midfield trio of Fortune, Slisz and Miranchuk finally looked in sync. Deila’s desire for structured buildup, quick transitions, and high pressing was on full display.

The tactical balance allowed Miranchuk to shine further up the pitch, while Slisz and Fortune did the heavy lifting in midfield. If this is the blueprint, Atlanta has a real identity again.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is buzzing again

Home-field advantage had become inconsistent since the start of the season. So far, the Five Stripes have recorded three wins, three losses, and three draws at home.

But the atmosphere against Cincinnati was electric and pulsating. The 40,000-plus fans witnessed a throwback to the 2018-2019 glory years, where the stadium felt like a fortress. Re-establishing that home dominance will be key to any playoff push.

Confidence builder for the summer

With the MLS summer grind coming and looming potential absences due to the Concacaf Gold Cup and other international demands, momentum is everything. A marquee win over the top team in the East gives the squad belief — and raises expectations. Deila can now build off this benchmark performance.

Reasserting ambition

For weeks, the conversation around Atlanta has been about “potential.” Against Cincinnati, they showed execution. This victory wasn't a fluke win — Atlanta outplayed the now-former Supporters' Shield leaders. With some new boys on the score sheet, captain Brad Guzan back in MVP form between the sticks and Emmanuel Latte Lathe showing glimpses of rediscovering his scoring touch, this club looks ready to challenge, not chase.

5 tactical takeaways fromthe victory

Atlanta United v FC Cincinnati | John David Mercer/GettyImages

Now that we've dealt with the bigger emotional and psychologial picture of the victory, here's what Atanta's win showed us from a tactical perspective.

1. Aleksey Miranchuk looks very sharp again

Miranchuk was everywhere. A man-of-the-match performance with two assists — plus countless moments where he broke the lines and dictated the tempo. This was the version of Miranchuk that drew European attention. If he plays like this regularly, Atlanta is a contender.

After the match, Miranchuk commented on the team's performance: “(Although) we conceded two goals, we still scored. So, it means that we were pretty good in our box and especially in the opponent’s box.”

2. Slisz + Fortune = midfield balance

This duo dominated the center of the pitch. Slisz covered ground, intercepted passes, and broke up plays, while Fortune added verticality and quick transitions. They gave Miranchuk the freedom to roam and provided defensive cover. It’s the best midfield balance Atlanta has had all year.

3. Pressing early paid off

Atlanta’s decision to press high early rattled Cincinnati. They forced turnovers and capitalized with two quick goals. Rather than reactive defending, this aggressive identity fits the players’ strengths and makes them more dangerous from the opening whistle. Cincy loves to build through Evander and Obi Nwobodo in midfield, but Atlanta’s pressing shape — often led by Slisz and Fortune — kept them from getting into their flow for long stretches.

4. Brad Guzan is heating up

Guzan made several sharp stops, particularly during Cincinnati’s second-half surge. After Cincy cut the lead to 3-2, he denied both Evander Ferreira and Gerardo Valenzuela with reaction saves that kept Atlanta ahead. He was vocal and assertive on set pieces — something Atlanta has struggled with this season.

Guzan’s leadership helped organize the back line, especially with a makeshift defense that included Derrick Williams, Matthew Edwards, and Luis Abram. Under pressure, Guzan played smart out of the back, often bypassing Cincy’s high press with long passes to wide outlets like Almiron and Lobjanidze.

Even in victory, Atlanta conceded two goals and showed vulnerability on wide switches and set pieces. Abram got caught out more than once, and the spacing between the center backs needs tightening. These are issues that opponents will exploit. Still, when the attack delivers like this, Atlanta can afford a few mistakes at the back.