A ‘Grande’ win for Atletico de Kolkata

Atletico de Kolkata started on a promising note when talismanic striker Iain Hume got the ball on the right flank and sent a good cross into the box for Helder Postiga. The Portuguese went for the shot but miscued it way off target. 

Kerala Blasters took a cue from the visitors’ attacking intent when Duckens Nazon showed some individual brilliance to control the ball and take a volley on the turn. Unfortunately, he too failed to find the target as the deadlock remained. Kolkata lacked fire in the final third and it was evident when they got a free kick in a promising position on the left. Javier Lara aimed at the top corner but blasted the shot way off the target. Considering the highest level of football, Lara should have scored. 

In the 53rd minute, Lara made amends to his earlier gaffe with a long range shot. He got lucky as the ball took a deflection off Sandesh Jhingan and caught the Kerala goalkeeper Graham Stack by surprise. Stack had no chance to adjust his feet and could only watch the ball settle into the back of the net as Atletico moved ahead.

Kerala tried to find the elusive goal to restore parity with relentless attacking however poor finishing cost them an equaliser.

Result: Kerala Blasters 0 lost to Atletico de Kolkata 1 (Grande 53)

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