ATKMB close gap at the top with a 2-0 win against Bengaluru

ATKMB close gap at the top with a 2-0 win against Bengaluru
Sandesh Jinghan of ATKMB vying for the ball with two Bengaluru FC players

ATK Mohun Bagan completed the double over Bengaluru FC this season with a 2-0 win at the Fatorda Stadium.  The win meant ATKMB moved to within 1 point of the ISL leaders Mumbai FC.

Two first half goals from Roy Krishna and Marcelinho put the match beyond Bengaluru’s grasp. The loss meant Bengaluru’s chances for qualifying to the semi-finals took a major hit. They are currently 6th with 19 points from 17 games.

Bengaluru FC are in danger of not qualifying for the finals stage

Bengaluru FC had most of the possession in the first half, but most of it was non-threatening.  Antonio Habas made his side play on the counter and ATKMB players executed his plans from the beginning.

Pratik Chowdhury of BFC was guilty of bringing down Roy Krishna in the penalty box and paid the price. Krishna coolly stepped up to take the penalty himself and gave the defending champions a lead in the 37th minute.

Marcelinho doubled ATKMB’s advantage right on the cusp of half time with a stunning free-kick from the edge of the box. BFC tried to cut the deficit in the second half but some heroic defending from ATKMB saw them through.  

ATKMB manager Habas was full of praise for his team after their winning performance.

“Absolutely. They played a solid match. We have a good feeling for the rest of the matches,” said Habas.

“We are improving every day and we have an opportunity to improve. It was a maybe complete performance. We have to think only about the next match, not thinking about the future.”

BFC manager, Naushad Moosa remained realistic in his analysis of Bengaluru’s chances of finishing in the Top-4.

“We started so well in the first 30 minutes,but post that first goal we lost focus. We might have to blood in youngsters in the coming game.”

“As far as coach is concerned, I have no idea about it. Let us be more realistic, it is,” said Moosa about his team’s qualification chances.

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