Atletico de Kolkata vs Mumbai City FC match report

Atletico de Kolkata vs Mumbai City FC match report

#ATK Starting XI: Subhashish, Denzil, Josemi, Arnab Mondal, Saha, Borja, Nato, Jofre, Garcia (C), Fikru, Sahni

#MUM Starting XI: Subrata, Deepak Mandal, Cmovs, Friedrich, Raju, Letzelter, Stohanzl, Tiago, Nabi (C), Nadaya, Ralte

The Indian Super League which officially took off today, Bollywood fanfare and a tinge of politics Bengal chief minister Smt. Mamata B speaking a few words of wisdom of her own. The ISL saw a opening performance of drummers from different parts of the states representing their respective teams. With desi girl Priayanka Chopra hosting the opening ceremony which made it a total Bollywood affair. Damn them Commercial people. Anyway, moving on to the 'GAME'.

As the ceremony came to an end it was time for some football as the music in the stadium rang, let's football! Yes it was time to revolution Indian football, it was time for the sleeping giant to rise as Kolkata and Mumbai took stage.

It was an upset for the Mumbai fans even before they had their first match as their marquee signings couldn't take the field. Ljungberg left out because of a injury and Nicolas Anelka banned for three games for the 'Quenelle' celebration. As the game kicked off, it was the home side who started the first couple impressively. With tackles flying in, Mumbai Fc captain was booked in the first few minutes for a two footed challenge. 

As the game eventually went on, the home side made the first opening as Indian striker Sahni was put through on goal as Mumbai keeper Pal made a brilliant save to keep the shot out. Kolkata kept the pressure on as Luis Garcia was the next to test the keeper as he made another save from a point blank shot.. 

One nil Kolkata. With the quarter being dominated by Kolkata, Mumbai City looked to stabilize their shaky start. The first effort on goal for Mumbai came through a free kick and that was the only real chance as referee blew the whistle for the end of first half.

With Mumbai a goal behind, the men from Maharashtra started the game looking for an equalizer, with Peter Reid bringing Moritz on. The player went close with a free kick. But Kolkata were in no mood to concede as the y wanted to seal the game and three points. A brilliant volleyed goal by Real Madrid graduate Borja which flew into the top left corner as Pal was left ball watching. With the lead doubled, Kolkata where destined for all three points as they sealed the game as substitute Arnal finished of the scoring. First blood to Atletico as Mumbai missed a leader in midfield and a vigor in attack.

MOTM: Fikru