The Stars
Fikru, Mondal and Tzorvas
Fikru Teferra doubled his goal tally in the tournament for Atletico de Kolkata with a classic chest-down volley against NorthEast United FC. The Ethopian striker scored in the 15th minute after a crisp chip pass by Atletico skipper Luis Garcia. The striker was a live-wire in the entire game showing his aerial dominancy and muscle power. His opener laid the foundation for Atletico de Kolkata as they went on to win the game by 2-0 with a late strike from Jakub Podany.
Arnab Mondal was another player for the Kolkata laden side whose performance looked rock solid. The East Bengal centre-back was superb with his tackles and decision making. His aerial challenges and clinical tackles showed a glimpse of tight defending alongside Josemi against NorthEast United, helping keeper Subhasish Roy to maintain a clean-sheet.
If Alex Tzorvas’s wouldn’t have been there for NorthEast United, it would have been a land slide scoreline for the Kolkata outfit. The Greek keeper made crucial saves time after time, notably an point-blank effort from Garcia, and kept NorthEast in the game.
The Flops
Capdevilla, Khongjee and Borja
Being the leader of his side, Joan Capdevilla’s defending didn’t look strong against Atletico de Kolkata. Making a positive shift from left-back to center-back, the Spanish veteran couldn’t stop Jose Habas’ side as the first goal flew over his head.
Khongjee’s defending was patchy for NorthEast as Indian forward Baljit Sahni enjoyed a merry time against him. The change of flanks from right to left looked a problem for the Shillong Lajong full-back.
Borja Fernandes became the first player of the Hero ISL to be sent-off from the game. A yellow card for a dive and a challenge on Bertos was enough for the referee to send him off. Had it been a bit earlier exit for the former Real Madrid man, it would have proved disaster for Atletico de Kolkata.
