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Defending champions Atletico de Kolkata win the first game of the second edition of ISL (Photo courtesy ISL)Atletico de Kolkata won 3-2 against Chennaiyin FC at the Marina Arena inthe first game of the second edition of the Indian Super League. The defending champions started where they left off last season, and showed why theyre the favourites to win the tournament once again.Portuguese international Helder Postiga scored a brace on his Indian Super League debut, while Valdo scored after just three minutes coming on as a substitute. Jeje and Elano were on the scoresheet for Chennaiyin FC, who must feel lucky that they didnt concede more as a lot of decisions went against Atletico de Kolkata.Here are the five talking points from the game:
#1 Defensive errors cost Chennaiyin FC the game
All three goals of Atletico de Kolkata were scored off individual defensive errors from Chennaiyin FC players. The first goal was scored by Helder Postiga, as a free-kick from Atletico de Kolkata skipper Borja Fernandez saw Apoula Edel coming out of his line to collect it, but he ended up colliding with his team-mate Mailson and dropped the ball for Postiga to tap it in.
After Mailson’s poor performance in the first half, Chennaiyin FC boss Marco Materazzi decided to bring on Mendy after the break, but that didn’t work out in his favour as Mendy was solely responsible for Atletico de Kolkata’s and Postiga’s second goal of the night. Mendy’s poor back pass was intercepted by Postiga, and there was nothing Apoula Edel could do to stop it.
Troubles didn’t end there for Mendy, as he conceded a penalty in the 79th minute for a handball. Though Apoula Edel came to the rescue this time, and saved Javi Lara’s spot kick.
#2 Tactical change by Habas proved crucial
Atletico de Kolkata boss Antonio Habas made a smart change at the break, as he moved Iain Hume to the wings with Javi Lara playing just behind Postiga. The change worked wonders for Atletico de Kolkata as they dominated most of the second half, and Hume made great runs on the wings to cause trouble to the Chennaiyin defense. Chennaiyin FC fullbacks enjoyed a lot of space in the wide areas and made great runs in the first half, and Habas knew he had to stop it in the second half.
Iain Hume created the third goal for Atletico de Kolkata, as his beautiful cross from the left wing was converted by Valdo, who came on for injured striker Helder Postiga. The Canadian forward found it difficult in the first half to break the Chennaiyin FC defense, but he was a different player in the second half of the game after he was pushed wide.
#3 Elano causes trouble for Atletico de Kolkata\'s defense
Chennaiyin FC marquee signing Elano Blumer continued from where he left off last season. The Brazilian playmaker created numerous chances, and made life difficult for Atletico defense. He played a key part in Chennaiyin FC’s first goal, as he played a sublime pass to Fikru, and that was later converted by Jeje. Elano also scored from the spot-kick in the 89th minute, after a poor decision from the referee saw Chennaiyin FC rewarded with a penalty.
Elano, who scored 8 goals last season and won the Golden boot, enjoyed a great first half in the midfield and kept creating space for himself. The Brazilian playmaker had six shots in the game, with four of them being on target. Elano also won five fouls for his team and was the best player on the pitch for Chennaiyin FC.
#4 Postiga\'s injury
Helder Postiga, who scored a brace, pulled off his hamstring while scoring his second goal and had to be stretchered off. The Portuguese international enjoyed a great night, and was clinical in front of the goal. He scored off both the shots he had in the game, the first coming in the 13th minute after a defensive error from Edel and Mailson, and the second came in the 70th from a Mendy back pass which was brilliantly finished by Postiga.
Postiga’s injury so early in the season might be a big blow for Atletico de Kolkata, and now Habas will be hoping the injury is not too serious. Valdo, who scored just after two minutes coming off as a substitute for Helder Postiga, might replace him in the next game with Iain Hume playing up front if Postiga is unavailable through injury.
#5 Atletico de Kolkata - The team to beat?
Atletico de Kolkata started where they left last season, a side very well organised and difficult to break. The defending champions played like a unit, and hardly allowed Chennaiyin FC attackers any space inside their penalty area. Majority of the shots on Atletico de Kolkata’s goal came from distance, and the pairing of Arnab Mondal and Ofentse Nato did very well in the absence of their skipper Josemi.
In attack, Atletico de Kolkata used their well proven forumla as they anticipated on defensive errors and crosses to score goals. Even though they failed to create chances from the central midfield, they just executed Habas’ plan brilliantly. In Postiga, they had a clinical striker up front, who scored from both his shots on goal and Hume’s delivery from the left wing proved crucial in the second half.
