WATCH: Herediano Seizes Control vs. Atlanta United in CCL First Leg

Herediano exposed the defending MLS champions' defense en route to a massive win in the first leg of the teams' Concacaf Champions League match.

Defending MLS champions Atlanta United got quite the wake-up call when it came into Estadio Eladio Rosabal Cordero, getting hammered 3-1 by Herediano on Thursday night in their round-of-16 first leg in the Concacaf Champions League. 

Herediano got on the scoreboard early when a poor defensive header that put Jose Guillermo Ortiz through on goal and the Costa Rican made no mistake by chipping Brad Guzan for a fantastic first goal.

NOT the way you want to start the game, Atlanta (via @UnivisionSports) pic.twitter.com/MSPCrnA2e8

— SI Soccer (@si_soccer) February 22, 2019

It went from bad to worse in the 35th minute when the Atlanta defense fell asleep again and allowed Randall Azofeifa to go one-on-one with Guzan and slot home to double Herediano's advantage.

¡GOOOOOOOLLLL! Gran jugada individual de Ortiz y le mete el pase Azofeifa para que marque el segundo.@csherediano1921 2-0 @ATLUTD

Disfruta del partido EN VIVO 👉 https://t.co/IWzd1FQnhM pic.twitter.com/qdIXTxyebK

— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) February 22, 2019

Atlanta United was able to get a crucial away goal when Julian Gressel curled home a shot that appeared to be deflected shortly before halftime, but Herediano would go on to restore its two-goal lead off a well-worked free kick. 

Atlanta United get one back right before halftime! (via @UnivisionSports) pic.twitter.com/EGUmCK7b7B

— SI Soccer (@si_soccer) February 22, 2019

¡GOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLL TIIIIIIICOOOOOO! El servicio al segundo palo y llega el remate de Granados @csherediano1921 3-1 @ATLUTD

Disfruta del partido EN VIVO 👉 https://t.co/IWzd1FQnhM pic.twitter.com/H6fzkh3zRv

— TUDN USA (@TUDNUSA) February 22, 2019

The two teams will come to Atlanta to play the second leg on Thursday, Feb. 28.