ATK Mohun Bagan won the 78th match of Indian Super League 2020-21 by 3-2 against Kerala Blasters FC at Fatorda Stadium.
ATK Mohun Bagan collected the much needed 3 points. Currently, the Kolkata giants stand second with 27 points.
While the five-match unbeaten run of Kerala Blasters FC was put to an end.
ATK Mohun Bagan 3-2 Kerala Blasters FC Team News:
The Mariners made three changes in their starting lineup. Pronay Halder, Javier Hernandez, David Williams make way for S.K. Sahil, Jayesh Rane, and Marcelino Periera. After their 2-1 loss in the previous fixture against NEUFC, they changed their formation to 3-5-2.
Meanwhile, the Yellow Army played with the same formation and made three changes in the starting lineup. Head coach Kibu Vicuna went with the same 4-4-2 formation.
ATK Mohun Bagan 3-2 Kerala Blasters FC Match Analysis:
Kerala had a lead taking chance in the 5th minute when Tiri’s header back to the goalkeeper was intercepted by Murray. He passed the ball to Sahal inside the box. After a few passes with Hooper, Sahal took the final shot but Sandesh Jinghan came in and blocked the shot.
Eventually, Kerala took the lead in the 14th minute with a strike from Gary Hooper. Sandeep Singh from the right flank delivered the ball to his left. Hooper received the cross on his chest and struck the volley. The Yellow Army dominated the play in the first half and created multiple chances.
Kerala doubled the lead in the 51st minute with a goal from Costa Nhamoinesu. Sahal took a corner from the left and delivered the ball to the post that was flicked by Rahul KP. After much struggle in the near post, Costa finds the back of the net.
However, in the 59th minute, Manvir Singh passes the ball behind Kerala’s backline for Marcelo. The Brazilian’s delightful chip found the back of the net past the outrushing Albino Gomes.
Kerala’s lead did not last long as Jessel Carneiro was counted guilty to have handled the ball in the box four minutes later. Roy Krishna stepped up to take the penalty. His goal drew parity in the scoreboard as he slotted the ball with a powerful shot.
Finally, in the 87th minute, Krishna won the possession, he dribbled his way to the box passing two defenders before taking a left footed shot which went right into the left corner.
Notable Performances:
Gary Hooper: Garry opened the first goal of the evening giving a half-time lead to Kerala Blasters FC.
Roy Krishna: He scored two goals to hand the Mariners the much needed 3 points. He was awarded the Hero of the Match award stands. Above all, he stands second in the top goal scorer of the season.
Marcelo Pereira: The Brazilian scored his first goal playing for the Mariners in his debut match.
Manvir Singh: The Indian international was awarded DHL Winning Pass of the Match for his excellent pass to Marcelo who capitalized the pass.
ATK Mohun Bagan will lock horns with Odisha FC on 6 February at GMC Stadium Bambolim. While Kerala Blasters FC will face Mumbai City FC at GMC Stadium Bambolim on 3 February.
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