Debjit Majumder of Atletico de Kolkata FC during match 1 of the Hero Indian Super League between Kerala Blasters FC and Atletico de Kolkata FC
Photo by: Ron Gaunt / ISL / SPORTZPICS

Both teams took a combined 17 shots, attempted a combined 34 crosses and pumped in 11 corners, but to no avail. This was also the first 0-0 result between the two sides, with ATK failing to win their first away match of a season for the first time in ISL history.

Neither team took a lot of time to warm up, with both defences opened up in the early exchanges. Milan Singh sent a rasping shot narrowly past the post within the first five minutes but the best chance of the first 45 minutes fell to ATK’s Hitesh Sharma. The ball fell kindly for him after good play down the right by Rupert Nongrum, and his shot from a one-on-one situation was parried away by onrushing goalkeeper Paul Rachubka.

ATK then saw their tricky winger Zequinha’s curling shot hit the post; its clatter triggering a sigh of relief in the stadium. The visitors may have nipped it in terms of the better chances created, but Kerala Blasters will rue the missed opportunities they had to score. Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov was left waiting for a good cross too many times and Iain Hume’s industry proved futile with the former ATK forward taken off at the hour mark.

While ATK relied on slow build-up play, Blasters looked for quick breaks going forward. Berbatov slowly but surely grew into the game, setting up a few attacks with his trademark perfectly weighted passes and it was his expert touch that set up both CK Vineeth and Rino Anto down the right whenever they went forward. The Blasters made good use of set-pieces as well, but Sandesh Jhingan’s attempts skidded off his head amid a crowd of defenders in red and white.

The home side started the second half brightly, with Berbatov and Courage Pekuson combining to put Vineeth through down the left. He cut in and shot but it was palmed away by Debjit Majumder, who had earlier frustrated Berbatov in trying to find space to pull the trigger.

As Kerala grew wasteful, ATK gained confidence, especially after Robin Singh replaced Finnish striker Njazi Kuqi. But the Indian No 9 couldn’t convert a low cross on his stronger left side. In a way, it personified the match and both managers will go into their next game looking for more sharpness while going forward.

Also Read: Northeast United to open campaign against debutant Jamshedpur FC

Also Read: Key Stories: Kerala Blasters vs ATK

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Both teams will look to start the campaign with a win, while ATK has in mind to keep their dominance over Kerala Blasters continue, the hosts will look to take their revenge on ATK for their final defeat last season. The only two teams to have secured the service of a marquee player this season, ATK will be playing tomorrow in the absence of injury-hit Robbie Keane, whereas Kerala Blasters is confident with no peril to any of the members of their squad.

The most consistent teams’ in the league, Kerala Blasters and ATK have a revamped squad this time with neither side having not retained any single foreign players from the ISL 3. Both Rene Meulensteen and Teddy Sheringham will be aiming to start on a positive note at their new venture.

Kerala Blasters

KBFC pre-season training

Strength:

The attacking upfront of Kerala Blasters has Iain Hume, CK Vineeth and the mighty Berbatov, who all are well adept in demolishing the defenses. A quick gel up of them could see Kerala Blasters hammering intensely, and pursuing goal scoring records.

On the other side, Kerala Blasters has a solid and reliable defenders to rearguard their defense, with the likes of Wes Brown and captain Sandesh Jhingan adding to the magnitude and strength of their defense.

Weakness:

When reviewed, we can find the absence of a composed midfield and the lack of a reliable custodian to guard their wall. With Mehtab Hossain missing in midfield, the onus could go on Berbatov to drop back and act as playmaker, which could ultimately mean lesser chances of seeing his magic up top.

Player to watch:

Sandesh Jhingan – The newly appointed captain of Kerala Blasters, Sandesh Jhingan is one of the finest footballer the nation has ever produced till the date. Blessed with physique, pace, and attacking intent, Sandesh Jhingan is widely known as the attacking defender because of his ability to score goals at regular intervals. Back bone of both national team, and Kerala Blasters, Sandesh Jhingan would like to start his captaincy tenure with a win against one of the arch-rivals ATK.

ATK

ATK pre-season training

Strength:

The team seems to have easily switched to English flavor with alongside the foreign recruits most of the Indian recruits from draft having already played under Ashley Westwood’s direct style. ATK also have a solid midfield department, which is blessed with inclusion of Indian maestro Eugenson Lyngdoh, veteran Englishman Carl Baker, youngster Connor Thomas.

Weakness:

The injury concerns to players including marquee inclusion Robbie Keane is a threat for the team, when they take Kerala Blasters at their home. With Keane’s unavailability against Kerala, Robin Singh will have to bear extra duty, and ATK performance upfront shall rely on him.

Player to watch:

Eugenson Lyngdoh: One of the best Indian midfielder of the country, Eugenson Lyngdoh is the lynch pin of Indian Football and what he has done over the years has helped him become one of the costliest players of this ISL. A player blessed with creativity and talent, Eugenson’s invincible approach in the middle of the park has always bolstered his team and his arrival to ATK is no different. Eugenson will look to retain his spot as the best of the nation against Kerala Blasters.

Head-to-head

Matches – 8

Kerala Blasters – 1

ATK – 5

Draw – 2

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Key Stories: Kerala Blasters vs ATK

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The Dutchman, famed for his technical coaching, hinted that he will apply the same methods in Kerala that he has always believed in: delete needless touches and play a fast brand of football to create spaces and score.

“I have always told players that they should figure out who their favourite players are in their best position, see their clips and try and figure out what they’re doing right. If you analyse the top players, the reason they stand out is that they don’t take touches that they don’t need and that creates a different rhythm and speed of play. Hopefully we can get that integrated into the team and see it in the games we play. It’s not easy, of course, but that is what we’re aiming for,” he said.

The Yellow Army has won just once in eight meetings against the two-time champions, a 2-1 victory that came three years ago. Meulensteen will, however, have one of the players who scored in that victory in Iain Hume. At the same time, he will also be aware that the only time the Blasters have failed to win a season-opener was against ATK. The visitors come into the game not having lost a single first away match in three seasons. They’ve also scored 11 goals against the Blasters and broke their hearts in two finals. All of which says that the odds are remarkably against the home side, but Meulensteen said that he “can pick whoever he wants” – that his team was entirely fit. “The past doesn’t matter tomorrow,” the former assistant of Sir Alex Ferguson said.

Also Read: Sandesh Jhingan to lead Kerala Blasters

KBFC pre-season training

This is not the case for ATK though, who will be without their star signing Robbie Keane. That will not play on the mind of Teddy Sheringham. The former Manchester United striker has enough goal threats to choose from, with India’s Robin Singh being one of them. In midfield, he has Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Jayesh Rane, both supremely talented in picking out a pass.

“We have worked hard on our defensive game, but we also want to go forward. We are going to play to win tomorrow,” Sheringham said, keeping his cards close to his chest in terms of defining what sort of approach ATK will take. Sheringham did explain how he has prepared his team for the test of playing in Kerala: “It’s what every boy dreams of, every player, every manager dreams of – to play in front of 60,000 fans. They won’t be supporting us tomorrow but we will know we are doing great if we can keep these amazing fans quiet.”

More than anything else though, the match will be a battle of one of the strongest home sides against one of the finest away sides. The Blasters won six home matches in a row last season, while ATK won four games on the road. Kerala have had trouble in their fortress only against ATK – the only team to beat them in Kochi last year in what was a memorable season.

Come Friday though, Meulensteen’s challenge will be to make his players realise that it’s a game of football – and records can quickly change.”I always tell my players to focus on the game. Not on the occasion – the occasion is for the fans. The match is for the players.”

Two new managers with a Manchester United history clash in an epic opener tomorrow. Kick-off is at 8 PM.

-Courtesy ISL Media

Also Read: Key Stories: Kerala Blasters vs ATK

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Barcelona’s forward Pedro Rodriguez (L) vies with Betis’ defender Jordi Figueras during the Spanish league football match FC PHOTO / JOSEP LAGO / AFP PHOTO / JOSEP LAGO

Two time ISL champions ATK, announced today the signing of Spanish footballer Jordi FiguerasMontel, who has played as a central defender for La Liga clubs like Celta, Real Betis, Real Valladolid. Fondly known as Jordi, besides playing in first and second division Spanish Clubs, he has also played in top tier Spanish league like Copa del Rey, and Russian premier division league Premier Liga, Turkish Super Lig.

Jordi also played for Club Brugge KV from the Belgian PRO League which featured in the UEFA Europa League and German association football club Karlsruher SC in his career besides other clubs. The addition of Jordi will reinforce the defence of ATK for the upcoming season of Indian Super League 2017.

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“We welcome Jordi to our ATK family. Our coaching staffs believe in his abilities as a central defender and feel he will be an ideal fit in our scheme of things for the upcoming season. “Mr. Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman RP- Sanjiv Goenka Group, Principal Owner, ATK

“I am delighted to get a chance to experience Indian football through ATK. India is gaining popularity in the global arena post the onset of ISL as we are being able to meet new fans and play some exciting football. I am eagerly looking forward to getting to know my team-mates, contribute to our game plan and earn many fans from India.” said Jordi Figueras Montel

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He has represented Portugal National Side in FIFA U-20 World Cup 2007 and played for clubs like G.D Tourinzense, F.C Penafiel and Gondomar S.C among many. This young and talented forward from C.D Nacional is all set to scorch the ground this time with his superb striking capabilities.

“I feel extremely happy to have such energy in our team. We are definitely working towards a great start with player like Zequinha coming on board.  

–           Mr. Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group, Principal Owner, ATK

“Kolkata has great spirit when it comes to football. The crowd and its passion give the drive for fantastic football. The ISL experience will add a new feather to my cap”

–         Zequinha

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Sheringham, 51, replaced Jose Francisco Molina, who led Atletico de Kolkata to their second title in three years in his only season as coach. The Kolkata-based side, owned by a consortium including Spanish club Atletico Madrid and former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly, also won the inaugural edition in 2014.

Though, there have been reports in Spain that due to problems between the shareholders, Atletico Madrid will lose all ties with the ISL franchise. English giants Manchester City are reportedly in the race to tie a deal with the two times Champions.

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ATK players celebrate their finals victory over KBFC

After 120 minutes of game ended in a stalemate with both sides scoring a goal apiece, Blasters failed to emulate their semi final penalty form as Ndoye and Hengbart failed to find the net in the shootout, losing 3-4 to their former final opponent Atletico de Kolkata.

Mohammed Rafi’s 37th minute goal was cancelled out by Henrique Sereno’s 44th minute strike as the both sides played out 120 minutes of game before entering in to the penalties in front of a packed crowd at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium, Kochi.

The hosts made two big changes in the squad with Ishfaq Ahmed replacing the suspended Josu Currais at left-back, while surprisingly semi-final penalty shootout hero Sandip Nandy was replaced by Graham Stack. At the other end, ATK brought back their big players for the final game after resting them for the second leg semi final bringing back Hume and Postiga to pump up the strike force.

While Kerala began as the better side in front of a full house, Atletico de Kolkata soon started to get into the game, Helder Postiga looked to threaten the most at the start, coming close to scoring number of times.

The home side had their first big opening on a counter; Belfort went on a brilliant run down the left playing Rafi in whose side footed effort was heroically blocked by Tiri.

In the 14th minute, after one-two with Hume, Postiga skewed his shot wide. Soon ATK looked more comfortable on attack easily beating their opponent. At one stage, Didika’s cross fell to Doutie at the far post however the South African’s shot was parried by Stack.

Helder Postiga missed few more close chances; the Portuguese seemed to have left his shooting boots at home much to the frustration of Jose Molina.

Kerala were dealt a massive blow when their captain Aaron Hughes was forced off with injury in the 35th minute and replaced by Ndoye. But soon Blasters took the lead in the 38^th minute. Mehtab’s corner delivery was headed in to goal by Mohammed Rafi as the crowd went into raptures.

But soon ATK came back just minutes before half time break, in the 43rd minute, Doutie’s kick was headed in by central defender Henrique Sereno who managed to guide the ball into the net despite being marked by Sandesh Jhingan. Both teams went into the half on level terms.

Also Read: Blasters take on Atletico de Kolkata for the decider 

A dejected Kerala side after loosing on penalties

Second half began with the visitors once again looking in control with better possessions. In the 53^rd minute, Sereno went down bleeding after being caught by an elbow from Vineeth while challenging for a ball. He was soon revived by the medics and took to the field with a bandaged head, much to the relief of Molina.

The game soon withered into a dull affair as both sides failed to challenge either keeper. Surprisingly, Molina decided to replace Postiga for Javi Lara in the 68^th minute. Looking for that elusive goal Blasters went for a double change; Nazon and Rafi were replaced by German and Rafique.

In the 81st minute, Didika’s shot-cum-cross almost went in to the goal from the left missing the post by whiskers. In stoppage time, Didika was played into the box from where his cross was crucially intercepted by Hengbart before Hume could take his chances as the match ventured in to extra time.

In the 94th minute when Belfort after a quick one-two with German went inside the box but was crucially blocked by Kotal before he could exploit anything from it.

In the 110th minute, Kerala blasters defence almost switched off for a moment as Didika ball was eventually went to Hume. The forward’s shot however clattered off Hengbart before it was cleared in a scramble inside the box.

The thirty minutes of extra time provided no goals as both sides entered into the penalty shootouts. Antonio German, Kervens Belfort and Mohammed Rafique scored their penalties for the home side, as Elhadji Ndoye and Cedric Hengbart missed theirs. For the visitors Hume missed the first one but Javi Lara, Sameehg Doutie, Borja and Jewel Raja converted their chances as the Atletico lifted the trophy for the second time in three years.

Kerala Blasters FC 1 (Rafi 38’) – 1 Atletico De Kolkata (Sereno 44’)

Best Pitch award – NorthEast United FC

FairPlay Award – Chennaiyin FC

Fittest Player – Borja Fernandes (ATK)                                                  

Winning Pass the League – Sameehg Doutie (ATK)

Golden BOOT – Marcelinho (DDFC): 10 Goals

Golden Gloves – Amrinder Singh (Mumbai City FC): 5 clean sheets- 6 games (conceded 3 goals)

Emerging Player – Jerry Lalrinzuala (CFC)

Hero of the league: F Malouda (DDFC): 3 Goals 5 Assists

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The third edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) will conclude this Sunday at Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium where the host’s home support has been one of the talking points of the season.

The hosts didn’t have the best of starts in this ISL; unable to score a single goal meant Blasters languished at the bottom with just a point in three games. But thereafter things changed for the Steve Coppell side, as the not began collecting points away from home but went on a six-match unbeaten run at home too.

The blasters defence has been the biggest plus point for this season with a reliable 41 year old Sandip Nandy at the back and Sandesh Jhingan back with his season 1 form the Indian contingency has very well supported the Foreign dup of Cedric Hengbart and Aaron Hughes.

But Blasters will miss the services of Josu, who has picked up two yellow cards in the play-offs and probably be replaced by Didier Kadio at the left-back. Mehtab Hossain and Azrack Mahamat will continue to try and win tackles and interceptions in midfield.

The attack force of Kerala has been more often than not reliable with players like Duckens Nazon, Mohammed Rafique, German and Kervens Belfort upfront chipping in with important goal. The introduction of city boy Bengaluru FC forward Chekiyot Vineeth has also immensely benefitted the team.

At the other end, Atletico de Kolkata are the only team to have won in Kochi this season. The visitors have an advantage as their important players were rested against the Mumbai in the second leg game. Players like Helder Postiga, Iain Hume will be fresh for the final tie of the season.

Also Read: ISL 3: Blasters beat Delhi on penalties

The former Villarreal coach’s selection has left many stupefied but to his credit, he has got it right on most occasions. Juan Balencoso is unavailable after his stupid red card for his participation in the altercation earlier this week in Mumbai while Robert Lalthlamuana too is suspended.

Debjit Majumder is expected to start in between the sticks after once again performing impressively in a high pressure game in the second leg play-off. Prabir Das and Keegan Pereira could start as full-backs along with Henrique Sereno to man the defence.

Jewel Raja or Stephen Pearson may get the nod in the midfield, alongside the all important Borja Fernandez who will once again look to control the game in midfield. Sameehg Doutie, Helder Postiga, Iain Hume and Abinash Ruidas will lead the attack

The likes of Borja, Doutie and Postiga have the ability to carve open a defense at will and the battle between them and Kerala blasters defense will be an interesting duel to watch.

While ATK will look forward to win their second ISL title in three seasons, Kerala seek redemption for their 2014 ISL final loss in Mumbai when Mohammed Rafi scored in the final moments of extra time to break the hearts of blasters fan.

It has been two years since the inaugural final and Kerala once again face their old rival. A lot has changed since the last final, who shall reign supreme on Sunday evening – Kerala Blasters or Atletico de Kolkata?

Kick-off: 7 pm IST

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Ten men Atletico de Kolkata reached the final of the Indian Super League 3 on goal aggregate after playing out a hard-fought, goalless draw with host Mumbai City FC in the second leg semi-final at the Mumbai Football Arena on Tuesday, courtesy of a first leg 3-2 win.

While Mumbai started with just two changes to the side from the first leg, with the fit-again Matias Defederico and Sony Norde coming in for Cafu and the suspended Diego Forlan. On the other end Jose Molina surprised everyone by fielding an almost new side with as many as nine changes surprisingly dropping star forwards Helder Postiga and Iain Hume.

The game began with the home team getting a glorious chance to get off to a flying start in the sixth minute when skipper Sunil Chhetri was sent through on Lucian Goian’s pass but the Indian skipper’s final shot was very poor as Debjit Majumder was alert to parry the shot away.

ATK also made forays into the rival area but their first real chance came when Javier Lara sent Abinash Ruidas up on a run down the left flank for the latter to square the ball to substitute Lalrindika Ralte whose final shot was blocked. Winger Ruidas gave a fine square pass into the box was also found wasted as Juan Balencoso was found wanting.

ATK suffered a major blow late in the first half when midfielder Robert Lalthlamuana was sent off in the 43rd minute after picking a double-booking, reducing the former champions down to ten men. However Mumbai failed to take advantage of the extra men despite the huge possessions and chances but failed to make any impact.

Also Read: Mumbai look to turns things around in the second leg

In a clear move to shore up their defense after being reduced to ten men, ATK substituted Ruidas with Keagan Pereira at the beginning of the second half.

Mumbai also made substitutions from the beginning of the second half, replacing Krisztian Vadocz and Sehnaj Singh with Thiago Santos Cunha and Jackichand Singh.

Despite being egged on by their supporters in the packed Andheri stadium, Mumbai found it very difficult to break the visitors’ fort and their moves did not have the co-ordination of the first half.

ATK found two chances to put the issue beyond Mumbai but Lara, in the 60th minute, and Stephen Pearson, fifteen minutes later, both went off target from close range efforts.

Mumbai missed another close chance of scoring by the end of the game when Goian and Jackichand were both off target following a wonderful minus pass from the left by Norde Also minutes later Goian’s tried his luck from distance with a right-footed volley that could not get past Majumder.

The game ended in a huge fight among players and staffs alike of both teams resuling in a red card for Thiago Cunha and Balencoso after the final whistle.

Mumbai City FC 0 – 0 Atletico De Kolkata                                             

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Chhetri needs to find his scoring boots

After the first leg ended with ATK coming on top, the hosts are in dire need of a win. ATK go into the second leg with a one goal advantage over Mumbai City after the narrow 3-2 win and a draw will also be enough.

Mumbai will miss the service of their Marquee player Diego Forlan due to a suspension after picking up two yellow cards in the same game in the first leg.

Mumbai will need their big players to step up in the absence of Forlan and it will be the perfect opportunity for the Sunil Chhetri to come to the party with his scoring boots. India’s top goal scorer has failed to find the net so far this season although he did manage to pull off two assists in the mean time.  Sony Norde may start today in place of Forlan.

Mumbai City FC head coach Alexandre Guimaraes said ahead of the return leg, “We have some things to resolve and firstly it is about intensity and I have been talking to players that these kinds of games have to be played with different intensity, not just physical but also mental and we also have to solve the absence of Diego.”

Also Read: Hume brace helps ATK edge ten man Mumbai city FC

The Costa Rican, however, believes that his team will fight to make the final and are in with a good chance of turning things around at home on Tuesday. “We know that we have to play very smart. The situation is not desperate for us because it is only one goal, so we have to play better than the last game and I still believe that we are alive and we have our chance and we will fight hard to get to the final,” Guimaraes added.

At the other end Atletico de Kolkata would look for another aggressive game. Atletico de Kolkata coach Jose Molina assured his team won’t go defensive for the match, “We are going to play the same way and nothing is going to change and we will play the same way we have since our first game of the league,” the 46-year-old said.

“I think now we are playing better and the players did really well in the last match and it was a great match and as I have told you we will continue playing the same way,” Molina added.

An interesting tie waits as the hosts would for their first final appearance while the visitors look forward to go one step further from last season and make it to the finals like the inaugural edition.

KICK OFF: 7PM, Mumbai Football Arena

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