Atletico de Kolkata hosted Guwahati’s NorthEast United at the Rabindra Sarovar Stadium for a match where both sides badly needed a positive result. NEU were one point behind Goa at the bottom of the table and Kolkata needed to hoist themselves above a mid-table position.
With just one home victory for ATK so far this season, a victory for NorthEast wasn’t unlikely and for most of the game, a win for the Highlanders seemed certain. Sereno and Arnab Mondal combined to make a horrible mistake within the opening five minutes of the game, allowing Nico Velez to give the visiting side an early lead.
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ATK did their best to get past the organised NEU defence but to no avail. ATK were surely headed for a defeat when a set piece changed it all in the final minute. Javi Lara delivered a beautiful free kick which Postiga rose to meet and headed it towards the far post where a waiting Hume tapped it in.
Here are the five major talking points of the game:
#1 A moment of panic
How many times have we seen defenders choosing the wrong pass when they’ve been put under pressure by the opposition? That’s exactly what Alfaro did when he forced Sereno into a shameful error that could have meant a defeat for the Kolkata side. Both sides were still looking for the best way in when Alfaro caught a lucky break thanks to Sereno’s nervous reaction.
The Uruguayan was hot on his heels when he tried passing the ball to Arnab Mondal. Mondal did an equally bad job of getting to it. He slipped and allowed Velez to come in, who just had to go past the keeper after that. Skipping over Debjit’s outstretched arms was absolutely no problem for the Argentine as he calmly put the ball in the back of the net.
NorthEast’s early lead became a huge advantage for the side as it allowed them to sit back and absorb any threat from the home side.
#2 The South American connect
Nico Velez and Emiliano Alfaro were two of NorthEast’s best players on the pitch. Not only did the pair combine to give their team the lead as early as five minutes from kick off but they kept ATK defenders on their toes every time the visitors went on the counter attack.
The South American pair showed exploited Arnab and Sereno’s uncertainty and did well to see the ball into the back of the net when it could have been just as easy to waste that opportunity as well.
The two came together yet again in the final part of the game when they came very close to wrapping up the game with a second goal. Velez’s pass found Alfaro in the box whose attempt failed to beat Debjit Majumder who was on goal. It would also prove to be a significant moment in the game.
#3 ATK have to maintain a higher line
Atletico de Kolkata are definitely one of the better teams in the ISL after almost three seasons. However, in spite of their considerable success – champions and last year’s semi-finalists – their style of play this year has been quite underwhelming.
It’s no wonder fans back in Kolkata have been less than enthusiastic. Tonight was especially a case in point. Their defence sat so deep in their own half that by the time the ball was played forward, ATK players found themselves surrounded by the opposition. And long passes from their own half were constantly intercepted by NorthEast players who were far better positioned.
The absence of Doutie also affected their build-up as they pretty much have no one else who is nearly as fast and skilful. However, the introduction of Abhinash Ruidas was a welcome respite from Didika’s incompetency.
#4 Katsumi Yusa has been a real find
Katsumi Yusa proved how good he is once more as the midfielder ran the show for the team from Guwahati. The Japanese midfielder was all over the place, the kind you want from a midfielder, as he made a considerable number of interceptions for his side.
His disciplined positioning allowed him to win the ball back and send his teammates on the offence.
He was a thorn in ATK’s side as his pace allowed him to skip away from his much slower opponents and barrel forward when NEU was threatening to break away. In a game that was dominated by the home side’s languorous display, Katsumi’s display was a real pleasure to watch.
#5 The difference a last-minute equaliser can make
After NEU defended their one-goal lead for 85 minutes, they fell to a far post tap in from Hume in the 90th minute. For almost the entire game, it looked like NorthEast was sure to leave behind last place to FC Goa while ATK looked like they were about to land themselves in a bit of trouble.
Unfortunately for the visitors, ATK had a goal in them after all.
Atletico de Kolkata salvaged their night only marginally as they remained in fourth place but moved closer to the top three with one point. With four games left for either side, it’s anyone’s guess which of them will find themselves in the playoffs.
