The game between ATK Mohun Bagan and Kerala. Blasters FC seemed to be made in heaven after ATK Mohun Bagan came from behind as they were 2-0 down and went on to win the match 3-2.
Besides being the reverse fixture of the season opener, it was also the battle of two Spanish gaffers in the form of Antonio Lopez Habas and Kibu Vicuna. Vicuna who led Mohun Bagan to win their 3rd I-League title last season has been undergoing a tough time with KBFC so far in this season.
The match started on a good note as both the clubs showed great sense of intensity in their respective game plans. None of the teams were not willing to let the latter find their feet. The first break came in the 14th minute when Gary Hooper scored an absolute stunner as he netted a perfectly timed volley from around a distance of 38 yards.
ATK Mohun Bagan failed to equalise in the first half as it ended 1-0 at the break. After the second half kicked off, it was whem Kerala Blasters’ star defender, Costa doubled their lead in the 51st minute. Now, ATKMB were 2-0 down as the match seemed to be slipping from their hands. But just after 8 minutes, ATKMB narrowed the gap as Marcelinho who debuted for the Green and Maroons on the day itself gently chipped the ball over Albino Gomez. 2-1. Just after the next 6 minutes, ATKMB were awarded a penalty from a hand ball committed by KBFC inside the 18 yard box.
Now this time, it was the Fijian star Roy Krishna who stepped up and succeeded in finding the ball at the back of the net from the spot. 2-2. Game on! The fans were expecting a fairytale victory now as coming back from 2-0 down and ending up in a stalemate won’t be beneficial.
Well, don’t know about the Almighty but Roy Krishna might have heard their prayers as in the 87th minute, Roy Krishna dribbles past two KBFC defenders as brilliantly places the ball with his left foot in the far post. 3-2. The comeback was done. After the stipulated time was over, an injury time of 6 minutes were added which saw a commotion in its dying minutes with the ref showing yellow card to 4 players who were a part of that commotion. As soon as the final whistle was blown, ATKMB knew that they had registered a fairytale win.
ATKMB’s Roy Krishna was awarded the Player of the Match award for scoring a brace including the winner for the Green and Maroons.