ISL season 5 opens with Kerala Blasters being 2 goals too good for ATK
Kerala Blasters FC registered their first win in Kolkata and handed ATK their first defeat in the opener as they scripted a 2-0 victory in the opening match of the Hero Indian Super League 2018-19 season
The teams were locked goalless in the first 45 minutes but second half goals from Matej Poplatnik (77th) and Slaviša Stojanović (86th) made the difference.
It were Kerala who started the match on the front foot with Poplatnik coming close with a header as early as the fourth minute, following a delicious cross from left-back Lalruatthara. Five minutes later, the Slovenian forward was in the forefront again following another cross from Lalruatthara but his rasping shot was blocked well by Gerson Vieira.
In the 11th minute, Lakic-Pesic’s inch-perfect header from a Poplatnik corner was cleared brilliantly off the goal-line by Sena Ralte. ATK’s first threat came through Lanzarote’s corner which curled in and hit the top of the crossbar before going out of play.
Everton Santos then came mighty close to giving ATK a surprise lead in the 26th minute as his pile-driver of a shot from outside the box sailed inches above the crossbar.
ATK custodian Arindam Bhattacharya was then called to make a fine save from a well-placed shot by Abdul Samad. It was the hosts who had the perfect opportunity to take the lead in the dying minutes of the first-half when Jayesh Rane found himself unmarked in the box but the midfielder failed to find the target from El Maimouni’s corner despite having the entire goal at his mercy.
Kerala coach David James threw on Courage Pekuson in place of Abdul Samad after the interval as a cagey 15 minutes or so ensued. Seiminlen Doungel had the best chance during that period after being released behind the ATK defence but the winger’s scuffed shot failed to trouble Bhattacharya.
A set-piece taken by Poplatnik in the 65th minute saw Jhingan bare down on ATK’s goal but the defender’s header sailed just wide of the target. James then brought on CK Vineeth for Doungel as his second throw of the dice as Steve Coppell made a double change at the other end with Kalu Uche and Eugeneson Lyngdoh coming on for Balwant and El Maimouni respectively.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 78th minute by the lively Poplatnik who cushioned a perfect header beyond Bhattacharya after Stojanovic’s blocked shot looped above the ATK defence.
Kerala wrapped up three points in the 86th minute, thanks to Stojanovic’s thunderous strike from outside the box. The visitors then held on to preserve their two-goal lead in the dying minutes to get their 2018-19 campaign off to a perfect start.
– Courtesy ISL media
Also Read: AFC U16 Championship: India qualifies for Quarterfinal for first time in 16 years
Also Read: India set to travel China for the first time ever to play an International friendly
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updated on Mumbai & Indian Football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners after remarkable 3-1 comeback win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners Kolkata, May 4: Mumbai City FC beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium to emerge as the Indian Super…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…