Domination from ATK Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata Derby, FC Goa keep their winning streak going
Matchday 9 of the eISL was one to savor and here’s how the action unfolded.
Derby day surely did not disappoint, giving us a rollercoaster of a tie with ATK Mohun Bagan ultimately walking away with the three points. First up, both teams had plenty of chances in the first game, but failed to score in the first 45 minutes. ATK Mohun Bagan’ Vicky had a brilliant start to life in the second half, drawing first blood with a defense splitting pass and a well-timed finish in the 48th minute. In no time, Vicky had that lead doubled when another splendid finish put Mohun Bagan two up in the derby. The game ultimately ended with Vicky scoring the third and taking the first game 3-0. The second game saw ATK Mohun Bagan draw first blood once again. This time, it wasn’t long until the East Bengal boys took their chance, scoring two goals in quick succession to complete the comeback. East Bengal put the game to rest six minutes from time, banging in the third of the night and leaving the third game of the tie to decide who takes home the three points. The deciding game saw a goal fest unfold in front of our eyes with ATK Mohun Bagan’s Afnan dominating the show. Mohun Bagan, courtesy Afnan, once again opened the scoring for ATK MB in the third game as well, with a stunning finish handing them the lead in the 15th minute. Just four minutes later, they doubled the lead and comfortably being en route to taking full three points. Five minutes later, a breath-taking lob pass saw them triple the lead. The fourth of the night soon followed, with a stunning scissor kick potentially putting the game to bed. It was just goals galore then on, with the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth goals following up as well. Shayantan scored a consolation goal for East Bengal to deny Afnan the clean sheet.
In the next fixture of the night, FC Goa who were on a winning streak through the first four games went head to head with Chennaiyin FC. In the first game, Goa’s dominance once again came to the fore in the very first half, with Aadizema firing three past the Chennaiyin FC defense to put them one up in the tie. Spoils were shared equally in the second game of the tie. It was Goa once again coming forward for the first goal, with them scoring just 10 minutes into the game. Tired of putting their name all over the tie, Goa chipped in the second of the game with a goal that can be termed ‘Deja vu’ to the first goal. Chennaiyin FC scraped one back in the 61st minute to put them within a goal to get back in the game. Just four minutes later, Chennaiyin FC bounced back in style to get back in the game with the goal that leveled the scoreline 2-2. The third and deciding game once again saw a familiar scene - Vanshaj taking the lead for Goa and then doubling it in no time. In hopes of securing a draw in the tie, Marina Machans, courtesy TikkaTown pulled one back to reduce the deficit to one. A rocket of an equalizer soon followed from Chennaiyin to make it 2-2 and left the tie open once again. Just when we thought Chennaiyin could pull off the perfect comeback, Vanshaj put another nail in the coffin with their third of the night to secure all three points and keep their winning streak going.
What a night of football on Matchday 9 of the eISL! eISL Gaming action will be back again on 1st April with the next of fixtures. Catch all the action on eISL and ISL YouTube handles.
