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Atletico de Kolkata continued their fine form as they dominated NorthEast United FC to clinch a 2-0 win, despite having been reduced to 10 men late in the second half. The away team looked the more threatening all through the match, and despite all of the home team’s endeavour and running, they were not good enough in the final third. Fikru Teferra and Jakub Podany were the goalscorers for the Kolkata side.
With Atletico de Kolkata now on 6 points, they have thrown the gauntlet to the rest of the teams, as they have been dominant in both wins, while NorthEast United will look to pick themselves up and look forward to their match against FC Goa on Sunday.
Eagerly anticipated clash
The second round matches of the Indian Super League kicked off at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Guwahati today, as the home side NorthEast United FC took on Atletico de Kolkata. Both the teams had secured a victory each in their opening games. While the team from Kolkata was on top of the league table with a superior goal difference, the home team was at the number 3 position.
Atletico de Kolkata fielded the same team which had registered their maiden win in the ISL in the last game against Mumbai while NorthEast United looked to experiment with their starting line-up and formation. Shifting from the 4-4-1-1 formation, Ricki Herbert adopted the 3-5-2 formation with Aiborlal Khongjee, Joan Capdevila and Kondwani Mtonga as the back three.
Another Zambian international, Isaac Chansa was introduced into the midfield with Durga Boro and Milan Singh. Boithang Haokip replaced David Ngaihte from the last match in the right wing position and Zodingliana Ralte started from the left. Sergio Pardo, who scored the winner in the last game accompanied British striker James Keene upfront.
Midfield battle
The game started on a very high note with both the teams battling for midfield supremacy. Atletico started their proceedings with their passing football. Luis Garcia performed brilliantly in the attacking midfield position, as he created quite a few chances. In the 15th minute Garcia initiated a brilliant move from midfield and ultimately lobbed the ball towards Fikru who received the ball superbly and finished on the half volley.
Borja Fernandez showed brilliant work rate in the defensive midfield position and he too had a few shots on target, one of them almost from the half line. His attempt was even applauded by the opponent goalkeeper. NorthEast United FC enjoyed better ball possession and made some good moves, but they were not fruitful perhaps due to lack of any proper understanding and connection between the midfield and the strikers.
Atletico wrap things up with calculated football
Ricki Herbert changed his tactics in the second half, stressing on wing play. He brought on two wingers, Do Dong Hyun and Tomas Josl on the right and left wing respectively. Boithang Haokip was sent to the right back position. An ineffective striking pair of Koke and James Keene was replaced in the second half.
Atletico de Kolkata on the other hand, played calculated, smart football. They were mostly dependent upon counter-attacks. Their most dependable player Borja Fernandez was sent off in the 84th minute owing to a double booking after he intentionally brought down Leo Bertos in front of the penalty box. In the 92nd minute, substitute Sanju Pradhan floated a cross from the right wing which was met by another substitute Jakub Podany, who found the back of the net with a thumping shot.
Overall it was an entertaining match to watch. Atletico maintained their hundred percent win record and remain at the top of the table with 6 points from 2 games and a +5 goal difference.
