CF Montreal to play Atlanta United in MLS wild card game [Video]

CF Montreal is well aware of the motivation of being an underdog, so it’s not surprising to see the team wary of Atlanta United ahead of its Eastern Conference wild-card match.

It might not have been the expected Major League Soccer playoff matchup a month ago, but the two teams will face off on Tuesday night at Saputo Stadium. The stakes are clear: the winner will play a best-of-three series against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF in the first round.

Six weeks ago, Montreal wouldn’t have imagined itself in eighth place in the East and hosting ninth-place Atlanta in a playoff game. But the team’s 5-1-1 record in the last seven matches of the season completed a significant turnaround.

Despite the run of form, Montreal (11-13-10) isn’t ready to fully embrace its role as the favourite.

“In the form we’re in right now and the fact it’s a home …