ISL: Atletico de Kolkata vs FC Goa - 5 talking points

All the Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) fans can breathe a huge sigh of relief. After leading the league table for eight rounds, a fourth place finish was supposed to be a formality. Countless number of lacklustre performances and injuries resulted in dismal form. The morale was on an all-time low and qualification for the semis seemed difficult.However, after drawing 1-1 with FC Goa, the semi final spot was sealed. The team did not win, but the display was radically different. The players seemed highly motivated and the team came back from a one goal deficit.Let us take a look at the top 5 factors which saw ATK through to the semis.

#1 The starting 11 was attack-minded

It was an attack minded starting 11 that set the game rolling.

During the last few games, a look at the starting line-up could tell the mentality of the team. An utterly defensive clout would be set out on the field. Consequently, the game would be slothful and victories were hard to come by. Three defensive midfielders in the form of Ofentse Nato, Borja Fernandes and Rakesh Masih would inevitably find it hard to create goals.

It was a different tale against Goa. With Masih on the bench, Baljit Sahni was given a start. So it was Nato and Borja as the defensive screen; Baljit Sahni, Jakub Podany and Mohammed Rafi were the attacking midfielders. The outlook was different at the outset and it was a much more offensive approach. This certainly helped in orchestrating the attacks and troubling the opposition.

#2 Massive home support at the Salt Lake Stadium

The crowd turned up in large numbers to cheer the home side

Having a capacity of almost one lakh, even a half-filled Salt Lake Stadium could prove nightmarish for the away teams. Tonight, it was almost forty thousand people, screaming their lungs out. Every move from the home side was cheered by the fans. The players were egged on and it proved to be a major boost for the team.

Even after going one goal down, the supporters did not lose faith. Knowing very well, that a draw would be enough, they pressed on for that single goal. The commitment level of the followers was a critical factor. They jeered when Sahni mistimed a shot; they showered appreciation when it was a good move. The superb support helped Atletico turn it around and equalize.

#3 Early introduction of Luis Garcia

Donning the captain’s armband, Luis Garcia changed the aura of the team.

It was the most important game in the league for the Kolkata outfit. Inspite of this, there was no sign of the marquee player in the starting lineup. This surely left the ATK enthusiasts distraught. However, after the break, the ‘Little Wizard’ was on for the home team.

With his presence, the inspiration was a notch higher than the first half. The creative midfielder created chances, took cracks at the goal and it was all too beautiful. After the break, the ball hardly entered the Kolkata half. The play was concentrated mostly in the Goan half. The rampage continued and it was just a matter of time before the important goal was scored. The Spanish medio made his presence felt and it made a big difference in achieving this result.

#4 Fikru\'s exceptional performance

Fikru equalized for Kolkata from the penalty spot

After igniting the ISL opener, the Ethiopian striker had been in a rut. Apart from few disciplinary issues, his presence was hardly felt in the team. When he came back from the suspension, he cut a sorry figure with his tame performances.

Against old rivals, FC Goa, he brought the roof down at Kolkata with a phenomenal display. His touches were glorious and there was visible determination in his play. It was a magnificent turn which let him cut loose towards the goal. Following that move, he earned a penalty and stepped up to convert it with panache. Before scoring, he had already struck the post with a strong shot. The somersaults ensued and Atletico was in the semi-finals.

#5 An overall change in the mentality and playing structure

Despite going a goal down, Kolkata did not give up

Throughout the 90 minutes, it was an attacking display by the home team. Not once did the players try to adapt a defensive approach. They kept possession when needed and went for the ball at every opportunity.

The inhibition while going forward, which had come to be associated with Kolkata side had vanished. The players were running riot in the opposition half. They did not let the away side organize their attacks. Marcelino’s screamer was completely against the run of play.

ATK did not give up and they were persistent in their attacks. At one time, the home side was leading the attack index by a whopping 93%. The scenario was clearly in favour of Dada’s side. It was a matter of time before the equalizer came in. Finally it was Fikru, who nonchalantly scored from the spot and booked a birth in the semis for his team.