ISL 2019, FC Goa 3-0 ATK: 5 Talking Points - Ferran Corominas Special Virtually Leaves ATK out of Top-4 Race
FC Goa left ATK gazing at a preordained exit from the ISL with a comprehensive 3-0 victory at the Fatorda Stadium.
Not only did goals from star man Ferran Corominas (2) and a first-minute strike from Jackichand Singh pile misery on ATK, but also steered Goa to second place on the table with 28 points from 15 outings, just three behind pacesetters Bengaluru FC.
With almost 70% of possession, 22 efforts on goal out of which 12 were on target and the fierce nature that they usually possess, Sergio Lobera's men underpinned what they are known for and what we should expect from them heading into the knockout stages, as they are possibly just three points away from a berth in the semis.
ATK meanwhile, can only qualify if an otherworldly essence blesses their case, as they have only recorded 21 points thus far in 16 matches.
On that note, let's take a look at the major talking points from Goa's victory over ATK.
#1 FC Goa fly out of the blocks as Jackichand scores
Right from the outset, Goa upped the pace as you’d expect. In recent games, it looked like the Gaurs had lost their vigour going forward due to a couple of goalless draws, but Sergio Lobera and co. were having none of it here in front of their fans.
Just about 54 seconds into the game, Goa’s talisman, Ferran Corominas, exploited the right flank and marauded forward with purpose. The striker cut back and laid it on a platter for Jackichand Singh in the middle. The latter made no mistake and put his side’s nose in front.
A few moments later, Mandar found himself free on the left side. The winger charged ahead and powered it in for Brandon Fernandes, who saw his final ball blocked by a dark blue shirt.
Just under five minutes after the attack, Mandar was again in the middle of all the action as he flip-flapped past Pritam Kotal, outpaced him and fizzed a ball across to the six-yard box, where Coro lay in the wait. The striker got the faintest of touches to it, and therefore, the ball went just wide.
In the 20th minute, Coro himself loaded one on and tested Arindam, but the ATK shot-stopped stood tall to deny the number 9. The bottom line of the first few exchanges of the game was that Goa established complete control on the ball and proceedings.