ATK seeks turnaround in return leg against Bengaluru

Holder BFC has its noses ahead but not by much after edging the first leg 1-0 last week. ATK know that it has a task on its hands given how resolute Bengaluru is in defence. ATK attackers Roy Krishna, David Williams and Edu Garcia found little joy against BFC centre-back Juanan Gonzalez in the first leg.

Breaching a defence that has conceded just 13 goals in 19 ISL matches would be a huge ask, but Antonio Habas would hope his side can manage that at home. ATK has a strong home record and has won six of its nine matches here, scoring 18 of its 33 goals.

More importantly, ATK defeated Bengaluru 1-0 during the league stages when the Blues travelled here. “We expect a very tough game. It is the most important match for ATK in the last three seasons. ATK didn’t reach the play-offs in the previous two years and for us, it could be a third final in a row,” said BFC’s Spanish head coach Carles Cuadrat.

ATK would hope its wing-backs, Prabir Das and Michael Soosairaj, measure up to the challenge this time around. They could not give much service to Krishna and Williams in Bengaluru but would want to make amends on Sunday.

Given that BFC has a problem after left-back Nishu Kumar was sent off in the first leg, Prabir is expected to be a nuisance down that flank.

Importantly, ATK has to remain cautious at the back since one mistake can give Bengaluru a huge away goal. It was Arindam Bhattacharya’s error that helped Deshorn Brown score in Bengaluru despite the Blues creating not many opportunities.

“Our aim is to win the game and be in the final. My duty as a coach is to prepare the team for the challenge. We have to try to get goals. We need the support of the fans. I think it is very important to score goals but it’s more important not to concede,” said Habas.

However, Bengaluru’s prowess from set-pieces is well documented, with Sunil Chhetri and Erik Paartalu’s abilities key there.

Dimas Delgado’s deliveries are more often than not threatening and the ATK defence will have to find a solution to deal with that threat. BFC has not been scoring freely but its defending has pulled it out of tight situations countless times this season.

It will back itself to churn out another result against ATK but does have a few concerns. Apart from Nishu’s absence, centre-back Albert Serran is an injury doubt.