ISL: 5 Things you should know about Atletico de Kolkata

Luis Garcia and co-owner Sourav GangulyThe Indian Super League is only a day away from kick off and Atletico De Kolkata will commence their season against Mumbai F.C. at home in the iconic Salt Lake Stadium. Established on May 7, 2014, as the first ever team of the league, the club is partly owned by Spanish La Liga giants Atletico Madrid and most notably former Indian Cricket skipper Sourav Ganguly.With former Liverpool Champions League winner Luis Garcia as their marquee signing along with other international names like Borja Fernandez and Josemi and not to forget some experienced Indian campaigners in their ranks, the team from the “City of Joy” will certainly provide some tough competition for the other contenders.Here are some interesting things we should know about the club.

#5 Only team in ISL to be introduced in front of an European crowd

There are several other franchises in Indian Super League who have tie-ups with European clubs, but Atletico de Kolkata is the only side who were unveiled in front of thousands of Atletico Madrid fans at the Vicente Calderon Stadium. Atletico de Kolkata franchise got the opportunity to train at Madrid and avail the world class facilities of the Spanish side.

During the pre-season visit, the club authorities took the initiative of introducing the Kolkata team at their own home stadium during a league game. This was a unique opportunity bestowed upon the Atletico de Kolkata side by their co-owners.