ISL 2015: Atletico de Kolkata 0-1 NorthEast United - 5 Talking Points

 For the second time in the Indian Super League, NorthEast United managed to beat Atletico de Kolkata 0-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. It was an all-attacking game by the home team while NorthEast played outrightly defensive. The result, however, was in favor of the visitors, courtesy of a penalty kick in the 9th minute which Simao Sabrosa converted to give the Highlanders a famous win and move up the table. Here are the five talking points of the game. All images courtesy of ISL. 

#1 Atletico dominate, NorthEast scores

NorthEast United lead 1-0 at halftime courtesy of Simao Sabrosa’s penalty despite Atletico de Kolkata dominating first half. The marquee player for NorthEast United started for the second time this season and converted the penalty which was awarded in the 9th minute for what looked like an apparent push by Nato on Lopez.

This was the third goal for the Portuguese in total, his second through a penalty while the other one came off a free kick against Delhi in the last match.

However, despite the initial lead, NorthEast failed to dominate while Kolkata persistently attacked the Highlanders. Mohammed Rafique was particularly brilliant on the flank as he created beautiful chances for Iain Hume up front. In fact, on one occasion Borja created a beautiful chance for him, which he failed to execute.

Atletico lead the attack index 72-28% at half-time. They also had five corners compared to NorthEast’s two and four shots on target compared to NorthEast’s one.