Kolkata, October 13 (ANI): Defending champions Atletico de Kolkata registered their second win of the ongoing Indian Super League by defeating 10-man Kerala Blasters 2-1 in front of 61,237 people at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata on Tuesday. The Salt Lake Stadium had approximately 62,000 fans packed in.
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Received by Football Sports Development Ltd. chairperson Nita Ambani, who seemed elated at the opportunity to watch the game besides him, Pele seemed in high spirits.
Atletico de Kolkata players with Brazilian legend Pele. The Blasters tried their best to come back into the match and were able to pull one goal back through Chris Dagnall but the equaliser eluded them.
The coach of the Sachin Tendulkar co-owned franchise opined Mehtab Hossain should’ve been shown leniency, unhappy with team’s start in each half…
The hosts took the lead in the fifth minute when Gavilan’s immaculate delivery from half way found Iain Hume in the box who controlled it exquisitely, cut across Bruno Perone and shot on goal which was saved by Bywater but the rebound was leaped upon by Arata Izumi who slid in and scored his second goal in as many games.
Kerala Blasters had a few more early disappointment in store as Gurwinder Singh was injured in the 8th minute, and Ramandeep was brought on to replace him. “I don’t think they slowed it down, I think they were better at a particular point in time”, revealed a clearly displeased Taylor, who felt Atletico were the second best team in the latter stages of each half. The home side remained very organised and hardly gave Kerala Blasters attackers any chance in the first hour of the game.
Atletico doubled its lead in the 53rd minute capping a fine move that saw Hume setting up Lara inside the Blasters’ box with a nice lay-off. Peter Ramage crossed from the right and Shankar did well to flick it for Dagnall to do the rest.
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ATK climbed to the top of the table with seven points from three matches ahead of FC Pune City (six).
