Atlanta United vs CF Montréal Promises High-Level Rematch | OneFootball

The 2025 MLS season has barely kicked off, but man, the intensity is already through the roof! And if you’re not feeling it yet, you might wanna check your pulse. This Saturday, February 22, we’ve got a clash that’s way more than just an opening match, it’s a rematch. Atlanta United and CF Montréal will go head-to-head at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and trust me, there’s some serious unfinished business here.

If you follow MLS, you know this league thrives on drama, and 2025 won’t be any different. Atlanta United is stepping onto the field with that dangerous combo of hunger and high expectations. They haven’t quite recaptured the glory of 2018, but they sure as hell haven’t fallen off either. There’s a fire burning in this squad. But CF Montréal? Oh, they’re coming in with a chip on their shoulder. They’ve got a score to settle after that brutal playoff exit last season. And to make things even more interesting, they’ve added a mix of fresh talent and seasoned vets to their roster.

Remember the chaos of last year’s MLS Cup playoffs? A nail-biting 2-2 draw that ended in heartbreak for Montréal after a penalty shootout? That sting hasn’t faded, not for the players, not for the fans. But here’s their shot at redemption. That loss? Just a comma, not a period, in their story. And if there’s one thing this team knows how to do, it’s turn setbacks into motivation. They’ve already proven they can silence Atlanta in their own house, just ask anyone who watched their 2023 win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Now, it’s payback time.

But hey, let’s not kid ourselves, this won’t be a walk in the park. Atlanta isn’t about to roll over. They’ve got a solid core, a roaring home crowd, and a mindset that screams “win from day one.” That’s what makes the MLS season opener so electric. These teams aren’t easing into the season, they’re coming out swinging. And Atlanta? They might just be one of those wildcard teams that can’t be pinned down. Like a fine wine, they’ve been maturing in the offseason, and now they’re ready to pop the cork.

Montréal, though? They’ve got some serious new firepower. Fabian Herbers, Prince Owusu, Jalen Neal, and Giacomo Vrioni aren’t just depth signings, they’re game-changers. Laurent Courtois has a squad that’s not only more experienced but also packed with young guns who bring that extra spark. They’re hungry. They’re unpredictable. And they’d love nothing more than to catch Atlanta off guard.

Now, let’s talk about Atlanta for a second. What kind of team are we looking at here? One that’s built to win, period. They’ve got history, top-tier facilities, a stadium that feels like a cathedral of soccer, and, let’s be honest, a roster stacked with serious talent.

And if you’re expecting Montréal to show up just to park the bus and weather the storm, think again. This team isn’t here to play it safe. They’ve got pace, skill, and guys who can find the back of the net in the blink of an eye. Sure, beating Atlanta on their own turf won’t come easy, but Montréal isn’t backing down. They’ve taken down big teams before, and for them, there’s no such thing as an easy game.

Then there’s the mental game. This match isn’t just about three points, it’s about setting the tone for the season. For Atlanta, a win would send a clear message: they’re back and ready to chase silverware after a trophy-less 2024. For Montréal, a statement victory would prove they’re more than just a team with potential, they’re a squad that can shake up the MLS, even without a roster full of superstars.