ISL 2017/18: Former Manchester United star Dimitar Berbatov scores his first goal for Kerala Blasters; watch video

Dimitar Berbatov scored his first ISL goal for the Kerala Blasters against ATK at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Thursday.

The game, which saw plenty of action in the first half, was tied 1-1 at halftime with goals from Gudjon Baldvinsson and Ryan Taylor. In the second half, though, the visiting team started attacking with more intensity.

Soon, the Blasters were awarded a freekick in the 55th minute on the left-hand side of the pitch, some 40 yards away from goal. Jackichand Singh stood over the freekick and proceeded to deliver a low, curling ball into the box which fell to Nemanja Lakic-Pesic.

The Serb, then, took a moment to control the ball before helping it along to Berbatov, who was waiting just outside the box. As the ball came towards him, bouncing on its way, the Bulgarian forward got into his stride and unleashed a powerful half-volley towards the goal.

Soram Anganba, ATK's goalkeeper for tonight's game, jumped at full stretch to his right but could do nothing to stop the ball from rolling into the net.

ATK 1-2 Kerala Blasters FC55' Dimitar Berbatovhttps://t.co/gAdEkzHMoO#SofaScore #ATK #KBL

— Theo Roux (@theoroux10) February 8, 2018

It was like turning back the clock.

When Berbatov was signed on by the Blasters before the start of the season as the marquee player, much was expected of him. In fact, the Kochi-based side had announced the signing with, "Golden touch, turns like a dream & a deadly finish. The Bulgarian Hitman is set to take ISL by storm."

However, things did not turn out as expected. The former Tottenham Hotspurs and Manchester United man rarely featured after going off injured in their 5-2 loss away to FC Goa in December.

Now, that he has finally got going, in his first match in almost one month, the fans would expect him to score more and inspire the Blasters to a playoff spot.