ISL 2018/19, Kerala Blasters FC 1-1 ATK: 5 Hits and Flops
Indian Super League's second phase of the tournament resumed as Kerala Blasters FC took on ATK at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi. The game was full of late drama as it ended 1-1 at the end.
During the first half, there were not any significant moments until Edu Garcia let one fly from outside the box which was saved brilliantly by the shot-stopper Dheeraj.
Just when everybody were settling out for a draw, the visitors were awarded a free-kick from outside the box in a dangerous area. Edu Garcia took it and beat everybody by finding the low route to lead the game in the 85th minute.
However, Kerala Blasters FC pulled it back through their striker Matej Poplatnik whose header deflected of Gerson Viera and hit the back of the net. Steve Coppell's side lead the game only for two minutes until the hosts gave a perfect response.
Following this game, both ATK and Kerala Blasters FC sit in their respective sixth and eight positions respectively.
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In this article, we shall look at five hits and flops from this clash.
#1 Hit - Edu Garcia
New acquisition Edu Garcia was a working horse for ATK against the Blasters. The Spanish midfielder put in a tremendous shift and looked like the only player to register his name on the scoresheet.
However, he had an easier chance in the first half when he was one-on-one against Dheeraj, but he failed to hit the target.
Just seconds before the half-time, he tested Kerala Blasters shot-stopper who parried the ball to safety with an excellent save.
He linked up with Jayesh Rane and Hitesh Sharma really well, but they could not find the final pass which was the missing puzzle throughout the game.
However, when he got a freekick in the 85th minute of the game, the midfielder made sure that he would find the back of the net.
Rightfully, Edu Garcia was adjudged as the Hero of the match for marking his comeback to the Indian Super League in a tremendous fashion.
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