ISL: Atletico de Kolkata qualify for semi-finals after a 1-1 draw with 10-man FC Goa

Fikru’s penalty helped Atletico de Kolkata draw with FC Goa and qualify for the semi-finals

Atletico de Kolkata met FC Goa in the penulimate game of the Indian Super League needing to avoid a defeat to qualify for the semi-finals. Their opponents had already qualified for the semi-finals and a win would have taken them to the top of the Indian Super League. The last time these two sides met, Atletico de Kolkata had won a closely fought encounter 2-1 in Goa.

FC Goa boss Zico made as many as nine changes to his side that beat Chennaiyin FC 3-1 while his counterpart Antonio Habas made just two changes, with skipper Luis Garcia starting on the bench.

Atletico de Kolkata concede goal despite dominating first half

Atletico de Kolkata started the game on the offensive and created many chances. The first real chance of the game fell to Baljit Sahni, but a poor first touch let him down. Soon after that, he again tried his luck from the edge of the box but failed to find the back of the net. Arnab Mondal had a golden opportunity to give Atletico de Kolkata the lead in the tenth minute of the game, but his shot from inside the box went directly to FC Goa goalkeeper Kattimani.

FC Goa did most of the defending in the opening minutes of the game, and then scored the opening goal completely against the run of play, through Edgar Marcelino. The midfielder scored a stunner from 20 yards to put them 1-0 up. Soon, they had another attempt on goal, but Miguel's header was saved by Atletico de Kolkata goalkeeper Edel.

Atletico de Kolkata tried to respond through Jakub Podany as he went past FC Goa right-back Debabrata and delivered a dangerous cross into the box, but the visiting defenders were alert and cleared the danger. After a decent attacking display in the opening minutes of the game, Kolkata looked toothless after the concession of the goal and the lack of chemistry between the players was clear to see.

Their last chance before half-time came through Nato, but his header went directly to the FC Goa goalkeeper Kattimani as the first half ended 1-0.

Luis Garcia changed the game for Atletico de Kolkata

Atletico de Kolkata skipper Luis Garcia was brought in at half-time for Ofentse Nato as they continued to look for an equalizer. He made an immediate impact as he played a sublime low cross to Jakub Podany, who failed to connect with the ball. The home side had a golden opportunity to get level, after a mistake by Miranda in defense, but they failed to make it count.

Atletico once again came close to equalizing, but Fikru's well hit strike was deflected onto the post by Kattimani. The Ethiopian was brought down by Pinheiro inside the penalty box and Kolkata were awarded the penalty. Fikru made no mistake as he found the back of the net from the penalty spot and Pinheiro was sent off by the referee which looked like a very harsh decision.

After the equalizer, Atletico de Kolkata looked in complete control of the game and continued looking for a winner. They created a couple of chances through Luis Garcia, but failed to find a winner. Rakesh Masih did well in the heart of the defense after he was brought in for injured defender Arnab Mondal.

The match also saw two of the home players, Fikru and Podany were involved in a on-field tussle, after it appeared the former hit the latter for coming in his way. The last chance of the game fell to Fikru, from a Podany pass inside the box, but he failed to convert from 2 yards out.

The game finished 1-1 and Atletico de Kolkata qualified for the semi-finals of the inaugural season of the Indian Super League. They will now meet FC Goa in the semi-finals with first leg to be played in Kolkata. FC Goa look favourites to qualify for the final, after a pre-dominantly second-string team put in a solid performance against Atletico.