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Match day five of the third edition of the Indian Super League saw the Kerala Blasters FC host former champions Atletico de Kolkata in a rematch of the 2014 ISL final and it was ATK who won through a Javi Lara goal infront of an impressive 54,900 spectators at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kochi.
Atletico de Kolkata had the better start into the game, but lost their marquee striker Helder Postiga due to an injury early with Juan Belencoso replacing him. ATK continued to be the better side with Sameehg Doutie and Javier Lara causing problems to the Kerala Blasters defence.
But the Blasters got better towards the end of the first session which ended goalless.
The winner for Atletico de Kolkata came in the 53rd minute as a Javier Lara long ranger was deflected by Sandesh Jhingan into his own goal with keeper Graham Stack left stranded.
Thereafter it was mainly Kerala Blasters but they in the end did not have any shots on target with their effort either wayward or an ATK player was in the way. It ended with another loss for the Kerala Blasters, who will have to be more dangerous upfront, if they are to make an impact this ISL campaign. For Atletico de Kolkata these are three very valuable away points in their quest for a semifinal spot.
Match Awards
Club award – Atlético de Kolkata
Emerging Player of the Match – Pratik Chaudhari (Kerala Blasters)
Winning Pass of the Match – Juan Belencoso (Atlético de Kolkata)
Fittest Player of the Match – Antonio German (Kerala Blasters)
Swift Moment of the Match – Sameehg Doutie (Atlético de Kolkata)
Hero of the Match – Javi Lara (Atlético de Kolkata)
