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Atletico de Kolkata, the defending champions from the inaugral Indian Super League season, got off a fine start as they beat Chennaiyin FC in their own backyard to make a solid statement at the start. Chennaiyin are a team which is believed to be one of the major threats to Atletico’s crown this season after topping the table last season.
But Atletico de Kolkata’s next fixture sees them come up against yet another rival – FC Goa. The two clubs locked horns on more than one occasion in the ISL and were part of the intense two legged semi-finals which ended in joy for Atletico de Kolkata at the expense of FC Goa.
It was another chapter in the age-old footballing rivalry between Kolkata and Goa which proved to be one of the highlights of ISL’s first season. The duo renew their rivalry once again as they face off for the first time this season at Goa’s Fatorda stadium later today.
Both teams go into the game on the back of morale boosting wins in their respective opening games. The Goans will be looking to continue make home advantage count and beat Atletico de Kolkata for the first time in five attempts, while the champions will be looking to continue their good form on the road and deal a blow to another one of their challengers.
We played some fantastic games against Goa last season: Habas
Habas expects his side to be involved in yet another tough encounter with The Gaurs and has prepared his side for this tough test. Speaking on their rivalry with FC Goa at the ISL Media Day in Mumbai last week, Habas disclosed that he feels the rivalry between the two clubs will be more intense this season.
“FC Goa is a tough competitor like every other team in the league. Last year we were involved in some fantastic encounters with them including the two semi-final matches,” he said.
“I expect that to continue this time around as well as I feel FC Goa will be as keen as us to get all three points from the game,” the Spaniard felt.
However, Habas refused to identify FC Goa as their main rivals in the ISL and felt his side needs to be wary of every team in the league.
“I don’t think any one particular club is a rival or a threat to us. I feel this year every team is strong and we will have to give our hundred per cent in every game that we play, be it at home or away,” said the coach of the defending champions who refused to take anything for granted.
FC Goa will be out to avenge their loss in the semi-finals last time out and that will make it more difficult for Habas’ men. But the champions will be brimming with confidence after their win in Chennai and would want to continue that run. Something will have to give. Will it be Atletico de Kolkata’s swagger or FC Goa’s fire? We will know come late evening.
