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Jakub Podany scoring the second goal against NorthEast United FCAtletico de Kolkata clinched a 2-0 win against NorthEast United at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati thanks to goals from Fikru and Podany. Though the visitors were reduced to 10 men late in the second half, they went onto score their second goal after that. The Kolkata side remain at the top of the table after a convincing away victory. Skipper Luis Garcia was once again instrumental in his side’s victory while countryman Borja Fernandez was sent off after he accumulated two yellow cards, and will miss the next game.Here are the 5 main talking points from the match:
#1 Atletico de Kolkata go on the offensive from the start
After a massive 3-0 win against Mumbai City, Atletico de Kolkata started the game brilliantly once again. Former Liverpool star Luis Garcia produced moments of brilliance in the number 10 role and NorthEast United goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas made a brilliant early save to stop the Spaniard from scoring. The former Greek international continued from where he left off in the first game, where he was named the man of the match.
Former Real Madrid man Borja Fernandez took a shot from the half way line and once again Tzorvas was forced to make a save. Finally, Luis Garcia provided a sublime assist to Fikru who chested it down before volleying it past Tzorvas to give Atletico de Kolkata the lead after just 15 minutes. Baljit Sahni also joined the party as he tried to convert a lovely ball from Jofre, but Tzorvas came out to keep the score 1-0. Soon, a corner from Spaniard Jofre saw Nato hit the post with his header.
In short, Atletico de Kolkata were very quick to get out of the traps, and managed 10 shots in the first half of the game.
#2 Unstoppable Fikru
Ethiopian striker Fikru Teferra Lemessa became the first goal scorer of the Hero Indian Super League when he scored in Atletico de Kolkata’s 3-0 win against Mumbai City FC. Fikru is known for his instinctive shots on goal, stunning volleys and back-heel finishes.
He didn't upset the Atletico de Kolkata fans today too as the veteran of the South African league scored a brilliant volley to give his side the lead. He chested down a delightful ball from Luis Garcia and volleyed it past the goalkeeper. The 28-year-old was a constant threat to the NorthEast United defense and made his presence felt in the opponents’ half. Atletico de Kolkata boss Antonio López Habas will be very happy with the work rate of his number 9.
#3 Luis Garcia and Borja Fernandez dominate the midfield
Mumbai City manager Peter Reid told the reporters in the post match press conference after their game against Atletico de Kolkata :"I think Garcia played beautifully and we were unable to contend him." Once again, the former Liverpool star started the game brilliantly and NorthEast’s defenders found it hard to intercept his through balls as he provided a sublime assist for the league’s top goal scorer Fikru.
After scoring a stunner against Mumbai City FC, former Real Madrid midfielder Borja Fernandez was very solid in midfield today. Borja made intelligent runs and took his chances to test the home team’s goalkeeper Tzorvas. Despite getting sent off for a second bookable offense late on, he had a good game.
Both the Spaniards form a good combination for the Atletico de Kolkata outfit, and look to be the platform around which their title challenge will revolve.
#4 A tale of two contrasting defenses
NorthEast United won their first game 1-0 against Kerala Blasters, after a lot of defending and a brilliant performance from their goalkeeper. Once again, they had to do most of the defending as Mtonga and Capdevilla found it difficult to contain the likes of Luis Garcia and goal scorer Fikru. Garcia opened the home defense up quite a few times with his through balls while Mtonga was responsible for Atletico de Kolkata's second goal as he gave away the ball cheaply and Podany smashed the resultant cross past Tzorvas.
Atletico de Kolkata’s defenders were definitely more composed as Denzil Franco impressed once again with his solid defending and overlapping runs. Former Liverpool player Josemi was paired at centre-back with Indian international Arnab Mondal and both formed a commendable partnership. They didn’t give the NorthEast United forwards any room and kept another clean sheet for their team.
#5 Ricki Herbert\'s team had a toothless attack
After struggling to dominate against Kerala Blasters, the team from Guwahati once again had to do most of the defending. Their attackers James Keene and Durga Boro found it hard to break down the Kolkata defense and create clear cut chances.
The highlanders had to rely on other sources to get something from the game, but even they failed to deliver. Ralte and Chansa did well in the wide areas, but couldn’t create a goal scoring chance for their team.
United will be hoping to get their combination correct soon if they want to qualify for the play-offs.
