<p>The match between ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC, scheduled for Saturday evening, in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) has been postponed by the organisers after a player from the Kolkata-based team tested positive for Covid-19.</p>

<p><br />
The match was to be held at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda and the league will now look to reschedule the fixture to a later date.</p>

<p>"Indian Super League (ISL) has decided to postpone Match No 53 between ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC scheduled to be played today, Saturday, January 8, 2022, at PJN Stadium in Fatorda," the ISL said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Read Also |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/borussia-moenchengladbach-scores-two-goals-in-four-minutes-to-stun-bayern-munich-in-bundesliga-443163">Borussia Moenchengladbach scores two goals in four minutes to stun Bayern Munich in Bundesliga</a></strong></p>

<p>"The decision has been taken in consultation with the League`s medical team after an ATK Mohun Bagan player tested positive for Covid-19," it added.</p>

<p>The ISL will work closely with the medical experts to monitor and ensure the safety of all the players and support staff in the squad and others involved, the release said.</p>

<p>The ongoing season of ISL is being held behind closed doors, across three stadiums in Goa due to the pandemic.</p>


The match between ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC, scheduled for Saturday evening, in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) has been postponed by the organisers after a player from the Kolkata-based team tested positive for Covid-19.

The match between ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC, scheduled for Saturday evening, in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) has been postponed by the organisers after a player from the Kolkata-based team tested positive for Covid-19. The match was to be held at the PJN Stadium in Fatorda and the league will now look to reschedule the fixture to a later date. "Indian Super League (ISL) has decided to postpone Match No 53 between ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC scheduled to be played today, Saturday, January 8, 2022, at PJN Stadium in Fatorda," the ISL said in a statement. Read Also | Borussia Moenchengladbach scores two goals in four minutes to stun Bayern Munich in Bundesliga "The decision has been taken in consultation with the League`s medical team after an ATK Mohun Bagan player tested positive for Covid-19," it added. The ISL will work closely with the medical experts to monitor and ensure the safety of all the players and support staff in the squad and others involved, the release said. The ongoing season of ISL is being held behind closed doors, across three stadiums in Goa due to the pandemic.

ISL 2021-22: ATK Mohun Bagan's clash against Odisha FC postponed due to Covid-19

<p>ATK Mohun Bagan made a winning start in the seventh season of the Indian Super League (ISL) after defeating Kerala Blasters here on Friday.</p>

<p>Also, the commencement of the tournament marked the return of the first major live sporting action in India after the COVID-19 lockdown.</p>

<p>In the season-opener, ATK Mohun Bagan secured a 1-0 win over Kerala Blasters. During the first-half of the game, both the side gave each other a tough competition, restricting one another from taking a lead. After a goal-less first half, both sides started playing aggressively in the second half.</p>

<p>However, it was ATK Mohun Bagan that managed to take advantage. Roy Krishna netted the goal in the 67th minute, putting his side ahead of the Kerala Blasters.</p>

<p>The match did not witness more goals and ATK Mohun Bagan came victorious. For his match-winning performance, Krishna won the Hero of the Match award. After guiding his team to the victory, Krishna said he is happy to get on the scoresheet.</p>

<p>"I am happy to play for this team, especially for this club. It is a privilege. I will not take all the credit. I think we defended really well. I had a few chances in the first half, disappointed. But happy to get on the scoresheet," he said in a video posted by ATK Mohun Bagan on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>


ATK Mohun Bagan made a winning start in the seventh season of the Indian Super League (ISL) after defeating Kerala Blasters here on Friday. Also, the commencement of the tournament marked the return of the first major live sporting action in India after the COVID-19 lockdown.

ATK Mohun Bagan made a winning start in the seventh season of the Indian Super League (ISL) after defeating Kerala Blasters here on Friday. Also, the commencement of the tournament marked the return of the first major live sporting action in India after the COVID-19 lockdown. In the season-opener, ATK Mohun Bagan secured a 1-0 win over Kerala Blasters. During the first-half of the game, both the side gave each other a tough competition, restricting one another from taking a lead. After a goal-less first half, both sides started playing aggressively in the second half. However, it was ATK Mohun Bagan that managed to take advantage. Roy Krishna netted the goal in the 67th minute, putting his side ahead of the Kerala Blasters. The match did not witness more goals and ATK Mohun Bagan came victorious. For his match-winning performance, Krishna won the Hero of the Match award. After guiding his team to the victory, Krishna said he is happy to get on the scoresheet. "I am happy to play for this team, especially for this club. It is a privilege. I will not take all the credit. I think we defended really well. I had a few chances in the first half, disappointed. But happy to get on the scoresheet," he said in a video posted by ATK Mohun Bagan on Twitter.

ISL: ATK Mohun Bagan get off to winning start, defeat Kerala Blasters 1-0

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidJmiPAwIRGouT" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Indian Super League (ISL) will kick-off despite COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc in the country. However, ATK co-owner and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly is excited about the tournament and believes a smooth tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pep-guardiola-agrees-new-manchester-city-deal-till-summer-of-2023-344109" hreflang="en">Pep Guardiola agrees new Manchester City deal till summer of 2023</a></p>

<p>Sourav Ganguly successfully oversaw IPL that was held in a bio-bubble in the UAE.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-madness-lionel-messi-on-being-blamed-for-all-problems-at-barcelona-344083" hreflang="en">'It's madness': Lionel Messi on being blamed for all problems at Barcelona</a></p>

<p>"...it’s a huge occasion being the first live sport in India (post-lockdown). It’s the beginning of something very, very good because life needs to get back to normal. We need to get back to our lives and keep that fear away," Ganguly said in an Instagram live session for the ISL’s official handle.</p>

<p>"More than people getting affected, it’s also the fear which is affecting people. 'I don’t want to go there, I don’t want to mix among people' This is unsafe, that is unsafe."</p>

<p>"I think a very good ISL season will clear all the cobwebs and doubts in everybody’s mind," the former captain added.</p>

<p>According to Ganguly, cricket's domestic season from January 1, said the ISL's success would inspire a lot of other sports who have been "tentative" to start.</p>

<p>"It would inspire a lot of other sports as well and I say that including cricket, because our domestic season will start soon. We’re looking to start in the New Year."</p>

<p>"We have a lot more teams actually -- 38 teams in the domestic season but it’ll inspire us to feel that security, that you know if ISL goes without any hiccups, and I’m sure it is going to happen because the bubbles have been created," he said.</p>

<p>"A lot of sports are still tentative. A lot of them don’t know how it is going to affect (them) because the numbers in some of the states are still very high," Ganguly said.</p>

<p><em>(Inputs from PTI)</em></p>


Indian Super League (ISL) will kick-off despite COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc in the country. However, ATK co-owner and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly is excited about the tournament and believes a smooth tournament.

Indian Super League (ISL) will kick-off despite COVID-19 pandemic wreaking havoc in the country. However, ATK co-owner and BCCI president Sourav Ganguly is excited about the tournament and believes a smooth tournament. Also read: Pep Guardiola agrees new Manchester City deal till summer of 2023 Sourav Ganguly successfully oversaw IPL that was held in a bio-bubble in the UAE. Also read: 'It's madness': Lionel Messi on being blamed for all problems at Barcelona "...it’s a huge occasion being the first live sport in India (post-lockdown). It’s the beginning of something very, very good because life needs to get back to normal. We need to get back to our lives and keep that fear away," Ganguly said in an Instagram live session for the ISL’s official handle. "More than people getting affected, it’s also the fear which is affecting people. 'I don’t want to go there, I don’t want to mix among people' This is unsafe, that is unsafe." "I think a very good ISL season will clear all the cobwebs and doubts in everybody’s mind," the former captain added. According to Ganguly, cricket's domestic season from January 1, said the ISL's success would inspire a lot of other sports who have been "tentative" to start. "It would inspire a lot of other sports as well and I say that including cricket, because our domestic season will start soon. We’re looking to start in the New Year." "We have a lot more teams actually -- 38 teams in the domestic season but it’ll inspire us to feel that security, that you know if ISL goes without any hiccups, and I’m sure it is going to happen because the bubbles have been created," he said. "A lot of sports are still tentative. A lot of them don’t know how it is going to affect (them) because the numbers in some of the states are still very high," Ganguly said. (Inputs from PTI)

'It would inspire a lot of other sports': ATK co-owner Sourav Ganguly on good ISL season

<p>Indian Super League's Chennaiyin FC registered a thumping win over ATK by 3-1 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Sunday. Chennai's hopes to qualifying for the Play-offs was boosted after Chennaiyin FC's Rafael Crivellaro, Andre Schembri and Nerijus Valskis' goals.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read-&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/isl-holders-bengaluru-fc-thrash-jamshedpur-2-0-273328">ISL: Holders Bengaluru FC thrash Jamshedpur 2-0</a></p>

<p>Three-points off the match, Chennai based football team has almost bridged the gap with Mumbai City FC. There are now point away from the fourth-placed Mumbai team. ATK currently are at the second spot in the ISL points table. FC Goa tops the table.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiyinFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ChennaiyinFC</a> put <a href="https://twitter.com/ATKFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ATKFC</a> under the pump tonight 👊<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATKCFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATKCFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HeroISL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HeroISL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetsFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/ryJXt4aFXf">pic.twitter.com/ryJXt4aFXf</a></p>
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndSuperLeague/status/1229079993478594560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Rafael Crivellaro smashed the first goal in the 7th minute after an assist from Eli Sabia and Andre Schembri (39') gave them a 2-0 lead before Roy Krishna pulled one back with his 14th goal of the season (40'). A late goal from Nerijus Valskis (90+4') sealed full points for the visitors.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Design design ah problems will come and go, but scoring goals ain’t one of them. 😉<br />
<br />
Make that 1⃣3⃣ for the season! 💪🏼<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATKCFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATKCFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AattamReloaded?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AattamReloaded</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OruKuttiKathai?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OruKuttiKathai</a> <a href="https://t.co/dYXpQcV7Hq">pic.twitter.com/dYXpQcV7Hq</a></p>
— Chennaiyin FC 🏆🏆 (@ChennaiyinFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChennaiyinFC/status/1229115102562926593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>ATK's Prabir Das hit some dangerous strikes on the visiting Chennaiyin side to equal the score and steal two points but Nerijus Valskis' late strike deflated all the hopes and no strike by Das could see the back of the net.</p>


Indian Super League's Chennaiyin FC registered a thumping win over ATK by 3-1 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Sunday. Chennai's hopes to qualifying for the Play-offs was boosted after Chennaiyin FC's Rafael Crivellaro, Andre Schembri and Nerijus Valskis' goals.

Indian Super League's Chennaiyin FC registered a thumping win over ATK by 3-1 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here on Sunday. Chennai's hopes to qualifying for the Play-offs was boosted after Chennaiyin FC's Rafael Crivellaro, Andre Schembri and Nerijus Valskis' goals. Also read- ISL: Holders Bengaluru FC thrash Jamshedpur 2-0 Three-points off the match, Chennai based football team has almost bridged the gap with Mumbai City FC. There are now point away from the fourth-placed Mumbai team. ATK currently are at the second spot in the ISL points table. FC Goa tops the table. .@ChennaiyinFC put @ATKFC under the pump tonight 👊#ATKCFC #HeroISL #LetsFootball pic.twitter.com/ryJXt4aFXf — Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) February 16, 2020 × Rafael Crivellaro smashed the first goal in the 7th minute after an assist from Eli Sabia and Andre Schembri (39') gave them a 2-0 lead before Roy Krishna pulled one back with his 14th goal of the season (40'). A late goal from Nerijus Valskis (90+4') sealed full points for the visitors. Design design ah problems will come and go, but scoring goals ain’t one of them. 😉 Make that 1⃣3⃣ for the season! 💪🏼#ATKCFC #AattamReloaded #OruKuttiKathai pic.twitter.com/dYXpQcV7Hq — Chennaiyin FC 🏆🏆 (@ChennaiyinFC) February 16, 2020 × ATK's Prabir Das hit some dangerous strikes on the visiting Chennaiyin side to equal the score and steal two points but Nerijus Valskis' late strike deflated all the hopes and no strike by Das could see the back of the net.

ISL: Chennaiyin FC crush ATK 3-1, keeps play-offs hope alive

<p>ATK (previously known as Atlético de Kolkata) and Mohun Bagan have finally merged into one entity. Indian Super League took to twitter to confirm&nbsp;the news.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group acquires majority stake in <a href="https://twitter.com/Mohun_Bagan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mohun_Bagan</a> FC 🤝<br />
<br />
Read more 👇<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HeroISL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HeroISL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetsFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ATKFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ATKFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/phHVs25i0G">https://t.co/phHVs25i0G</a></p>
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndSuperLeague/status/1217768910793011200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The six-years-old ISL team's merger with the 130-years-old I-League team is monumental as said by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly. He tweeted to congratulate both the teams. He said: "A momentous partnership for Bengal football. I have no doubt ATK and Mohun Bagan will be torchbearers of moving Indian football forward together.<br />
@IndSuperLeague"- @SGanguly99</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A momentus partnership for Bengal football. I have no doubt ATK and Mohun Bagan will be torchbearers of moving Indian football forward together.<a href="https://twitter.com/IndSuperLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndSuperLeague</a> <a href="https://t.co/zVHJsPxKip">https://t.co/zVHJsPxKip</a></p>
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) <a href="https://twitter.com/SGanguly99/status/1217864022898298880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>ATK is owned by the Sanjiv Goenka's RPSG group, whereas Mohun Bagan football team is looked after by Mohun Bagan Football Club (India) Private Limited.</p>

<p>In the deal struck by the two teams, ATK will hold 80 per cent of the team's shares whereas Mohun Bagan will have just 20 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Swapan Sadhan Bose, Chairman, Mohun Bagan Football Club (India) Pvt&nbsp;Ltd&nbsp;said in an official statement that "In this context, I am very thankful to India's one of the most well-known industrialists and our Kolkata's very own Dr Sanjiv Goenka for his investment through RPSG. Their vision on Indian football aligns with our philosophy and our combined forces will surely take the club to bigger and greater heights. In this respect, it is a red-letter day in the history of this iconic institution".</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🗣️ <a href="https://twitter.com/praful_patel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@praful_patel</a>: "I congratulate 👏🏻 the fans of legendary <a href="https://twitter.com/Mohun_Bagan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Mohun_Bagan</a> 🟢🔴 and <a href="https://twitter.com/IndSuperLeague?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndSuperLeague</a> club <a href="https://twitter.com/ATKFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ATKFC</a> 🔴⚪ on the merger 🤝."<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndianFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndianFootball</a> ⚽ <a href="https://t.co/uoWcPwgYTf">pic.twitter.com/uoWcPwgYTf</a></p>
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianFootball/status/1217838290260217857?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The new deal comes into existence from June 1. They will take part in the ISL (2020-21) and other important AIFF competitions as one team.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The logo and jersey of the team are yet to be decided, Mohun Bagan officials have said that the essence of both the clubs would be preserved.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The official press release of Mohun Bagan regarding new investor is available in the official website<a href="https://t.co/NifBXQbugJ">https://t.co/NifBXQbugJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/4QU4evdW7m">pic.twitter.com/4QU4evdW7m</a></p>
— Mohun Bagan (@Mohun_Bagan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Mohun_Bagan/status/1217797628366184449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>ATK coach Antonio Lopez Habas is likely to be the head coach of the team. Few players of both the teams will be retained and they will look for new players to&nbsp;compete&nbsp;in the next ISL season.</p>

<p>Fans of both teams have expressed disappointment&nbsp;over the new merger.</p>

<p>But Swapan Sadhan Bose assured fans that the legacy will continue,&nbsp;"I can assure millions and millions of Bagan supporters spread across the globe, that the poetry will continue. Now that the prose is ready to lend a helping hand".<br />
&nbsp;</p>


ATK (previously known as Atlético de Kolkata) and Mohun Bagan have finally merged into one entity. Indian Super League took to twitter to confirm the news. RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group acquires majority stake in @Mohun_Bagan FC 🤝 Read more 👇#HeroISL #LetsFootball @ATKFC https://t.

ATK (previously known as Atlético de Kolkata) and Mohun Bagan have finally merged into one entity. Indian Super League took to twitter to confirm the news. RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group acquires majority stake in @Mohun_Bagan FC 🤝 Read more 👇#HeroISL #LetsFootball @ATKFC https://t.co/phHVs25i0G — Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) January 16, 2020 × The six-years-old ISL team's merger with the 130-years-old I-League team is monumental as said by BCCI president Sourav Ganguly. He tweeted to congratulate both the teams. He said: "A momentous partnership for Bengal football. I have no doubt ATK and Mohun Bagan will be torchbearers of moving Indian football forward together. @IndSuperLeague"- @SGanguly99 A momentus partnership for Bengal football. I have no doubt ATK and Mohun Bagan will be torchbearers of moving Indian football forward together.@IndSuperLeague https://t.co/zVHJsPxKip — Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) January 16, 2020 × ATK is owned by the Sanjiv Goenka's RPSG group, whereas Mohun Bagan football team is looked after by Mohun Bagan Football Club (India) Private Limited. In the deal struck by the two teams, ATK will hold 80 per cent of the team's shares whereas Mohun Bagan will have just 20 per cent. Swapan Sadhan Bose, Chairman, Mohun Bagan Football Club (India) Pvt Ltd said in an official statement that "In this context, I am very thankful to India's one of the most well-known industrialists and our Kolkata's very own Dr Sanjiv Goenka for his investment through RPSG. Their vision on Indian football aligns with our philosophy and our combined forces will surely take the club to bigger and greater heights. In this respect, it is a red-letter day in the history of this iconic institution". 🗣️ @praful_patel: "I congratulate 👏🏻 the fans of legendary @Mohun_Bagan 🟢🔴 and @IndSuperLeague club @ATKFC 🔴⚪ on the merger 🤝."#IndianFootball ⚽ pic.twitter.com/uoWcPwgYTf — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) January 16, 2020 × The new deal comes into existence from June 1. They will take part in the ISL (2020-21) and other important AIFF competitions as one team. The logo and jersey of the team are yet to be decided, Mohun Bagan officials have said that the essence of both the clubs would be preserved. The official press release of Mohun Bagan regarding new investor is available in the official websitehttps://t.co/NifBXQbugJ pic.twitter.com/4QU4evdW7m — Mohun Bagan (@Mohun_Bagan) January 16, 2020 × ATK coach Antonio Lopez Habas is likely to be the head coach of the team. Few players of both the teams will be retained and they will look for new players to compete in the next ISL season. Fans of both teams have expressed disappointment over the new merger. But Swapan Sadhan Bose assured fans that the legacy will continue, "I can assure millions and millions of Bagan supporters spread across the globe, that the poetry will continue. Now that the prose is ready to lend a helping hand".

'ATK and Mohun Bagan will be torchbearers in Indian football': Sourav Ganguly

<p>Former champions ATK suffered a 0-2 defeat to two-time runners-up Kerala Blasters in the opening match of the fifth Indian Super League (ISL) at the Saltlake Stadium here Saturday.</p>

<p>Matej Poplatnik and Slavisia Stojanovic scored in the second half as Kerala scored only their second win over the Kolkata franchise, and first since the 2014 edition.</p>

<p>After enduring a nightmarish ninth-place finish in the last season, ATK might have overhauled the squad roping in a trusted coach in Steve Coppell but their fate remained unchanged as they struggled to keep pace with the Kerala Blasters.</p>

<p>The David James-coached outfit looked in their elements right from the start with Slovenian Poplatnik continuously raiding ATK's box before he broke the deadlock in the 77th minute.</p>

<p>However, it was Stojanovic who took the first shot at the goal with his left-footer but it deflected off Gerson Vieira.</p>

<p>An alert Poplatnik got behind the defence and slotted the ball home with a perfect finish to bring up the first goal of the ISL opening night.</p>

<p>There was more misery in store for ATK as the Serbian Stojanovic doubled the lead from a long ball from Halicharan Narzary.</p>

<p>Kerala No 8 took the ball in his stride with a touch to his left, cut it back in on his right and curled it beautifully in the top right corner to seal their first win over ATK since 2014.</p>

<p>Kerala Blasters had last beaten ATK, then Atletico de Kolkata, in the inaugural season of ISL on November 21.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/KeralaBlasters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KeralaBlasters</a>' Matej Poplatnik looked dangerous throughout against <a href="https://twitter.com/ATKFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ATKFC</a> and even scored the opening goal of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HeroISL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HeroISL</a> 2018-19! He is the Hero of the Match!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsFootball?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LetsFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FanBannaPadega?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FanBannaPadega</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KOLKER?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KOLKER</a> <a href="https://t.co/c7SYzM0AUc">pic.twitter.com/c7SYzM0AUc</a></p>
— Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndSuperLeague/status/1046247467728207873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>ATK will play North East United FC at home in their second match of the season here on October 4.</p>

<p>Playing the first match of the season, both the teams put up an unsettled look as a goalless stalemate prevailed in the first 45 minutes.</p>

<p>But there was no dearth of action with the visitors dominating the proceedings while ATK's defence in Aiborlang Khongjee, Gerson Vieira, John Johnson, Lalhmangaisanga Ralte looked a bit shaky.</p>

<p>ATK, however, got the best opportunity in the first half, even as Kerala's Slovenian forward Poplatnik remained a constant threat in the home team's box right from the start as he shot wide from a free kick in the fourth minute.</p>

<p>It was Jayesh Rane who found himself in the dock as the ATK winger failed to convert an open header from El Maimouni's 39th-minute corner.</p>

<p>Minutes after he received the first yellow card of this season, Noussair swung in the corner from the left with Rane at the far post but he missed to direct it in the right side of the post in a heartbreak for the Coppell's team.</p>

<p>Having handed debut in the very first match of the season, India's U-17 World Cup hero Dheeraj Singh showed early signs that he's here to stay when he made a stunning save to deny ATK captain Manuel Lanzarote in the 15th minute.</p>

<p>Earlier Indian athletics golden girl Hima Das presented the ceremonial match ball to kick off the fifth season of the top-tier league.</p>


Former champions ATK suffered a 0-2 defeat to two-time runners-up Kerala Blasters in the opening match of the fifth Indian Super League (ISL) at the Saltlake Stadium here Saturday.

Former champions ATK suffered a 0-2 defeat to two-time runners-up Kerala Blasters in the opening match of the fifth Indian Super League (ISL) at the Saltlake Stadium here Saturday. Matej Poplatnik and Slavisia Stojanovic scored in the second half as Kerala scored only their second win over the Kolkata franchise, and first since the 2014 edition. After enduring a nightmarish ninth-place finish in the last season, ATK might have overhauled the squad roping in a trusted coach in Steve Coppell but their fate remained unchanged as they struggled to keep pace with the Kerala Blasters. The David James-coached outfit looked in their elements right from the start with Slovenian Poplatnik continuously raiding ATK's box before he broke the deadlock in the 77th minute. However, it was Stojanovic who took the first shot at the goal with his left-footer but it deflected off Gerson Vieira. An alert Poplatnik got behind the defence and slotted the ball home with a perfect finish to bring up the first goal of the ISL opening night. There was more misery in store for ATK as the Serbian Stojanovic doubled the lead from a long ball from Halicharan Narzary. Kerala No 8 took the ball in his stride with a touch to his left, cut it back in on his right and curled it beautifully in the top right corner to seal their first win over ATK since 2014. Kerala Blasters had last beaten ATK, then Atletico de Kolkata, in the inaugural season of ISL on November 21. .@KeralaBlasters' Matej Poplatnik looked dangerous throughout against @ATKFC and even scored the opening goal of #HeroISL 2018-19! He is the Hero of the Match!#LetsFootball #FanBannaPadega #KOLKER pic.twitter.com/c7SYzM0AUc — Indian Super League (@IndSuperLeague) September 30, 2018 × ATK will play North East United FC at home in their second match of the season here on October 4. Playing the first match of the season, both the teams put up an unsettled look as a goalless stalemate prevailed in the first 45 minutes. But there was no dearth of action with the visitors dominating the proceedings while ATK's defence in Aiborlang Khongjee, Gerson Vieira, John Johnson, Lalhmangaisanga Ralte looked a bit shaky. ATK, however, got the best opportunity in the first half, even as Kerala's Slovenian forward Poplatnik remained a constant threat in the home team's box right from the start as he shot wide from a free kick in the fourth minute. It was Jayesh Rane who found himself in the dock as the ATK winger failed to convert an open header from El Maimouni's 39th-minute corner. Minutes after he received the first yellow card of this season, Noussair swung in the corner from the left with Rane at the far post but he missed to direct it in the right side of the post in a heartbreak for the Coppell's team. Having handed debut in the very first match of the season, India's U-17 World Cup hero Dheeraj Singh showed early signs that he's here to stay when he made a stunning save to deny ATK captain Manuel Lanzarote in the 15th minute. Earlier Indian athletics golden girl Hima Das presented the ceremonial match ball to kick off the fifth season of the top-tier league.

ATK suffer 0-2 loss against Kerala Blasters in ISL-V opener

<p>Kerala Blasters and ATK played out an entertaining goalless draw in front of a packed house in the Indian Super League&#39;s (ISL) season opener at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi last evening.</p>

<p>Both teams took a combined 17 shots, attempted a combined 34 crosses and pumped in 11 corners, but to no avail.</p>

<p>This was also the first stalemate between the two sides, with ATK failing to win their first away match of a season for the first time in ISL history.</p>

<p>Neither team took a lot of time to warm up, with both defences opened up in the early exchanges.</p>

<p>Milan Singh sent a rasping shot narrowly past the post within the first five minutes, but the best chance of the first 45 minutes fell to ATK&#39;s Hitesh Sharma.</p>

<p>The ball fell kindly for him after good play down the right by Rupert Nongrum, and his shot from a one-on-one situation was carried away by onrushing goalkeeper Paul Rachubka.</p>

<p>ATK then saw their tricky winger Zequinha&#39;s curling shot hit the post; its clatter triggering a sigh of relief in the stadium. The visitors may have nipped it in terms of the better chances created, but Kerala Blasters will rue the missed opportunities they had to score.</p>

<p>Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov was left waiting for a good cross too many times and Iain Hume&#39;s industry proved futile with the former ATK forward taken off at the hour mark.</p>

<p>While ATK relied on slow build-up play, Blasters looked for quick breaks going forward. Berbatov slowly but surely grew into the game, setting up a few attacks with his trademark perfectly weighted passes and it was his expert touch that set up both CK Vineeth and Rino Anto down the right whenever they went forward. The Blasters made good use of set-pieces as well, but Sandesh Jhingan&#39;s attempts skidded off his head amid a crowd of defenders in red and white.</p>

<p>The home side started the second half brightly, with Berbatov and Courage Pekuson combining to put Vineeth through down the left. He cut in and shot but it was palmed away by Debjit Majumder, who had earlier frustrated Berbatov in trying to find space to pull the trigger.</p>

<p>As Kerala grew wasteful, ATK gained confidence, especially after Robin Singh replaced Finnish striker Njazi Kuqi. But the Indian No. 9 couldn&#39;t convert a low cross on his stronger left side.</p>


Kerala Blasters and ATK played out an entertaining goalless draw in front of a packed house in the Indian Super League's (ISL) season opener at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi last evening

Kerala Blasters and ATK played out an entertaining goalless draw in front of a packed house in the Indian Super League's (ISL) season opener at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kochi last evening. Both teams took a combined 17 shots, attempted a combined 34 crosses and pumped in 11 corners, but to no avail. This was also the first stalemate between the two sides, with ATK failing to win their first away match of a season for the first time in ISL history. Neither team took a lot of time to warm up, with both defences opened up in the early exchanges. Milan Singh sent a rasping shot narrowly past the post within the first five minutes, but the best chance of the first 45 minutes fell to ATK's Hitesh Sharma. The ball fell kindly for him after good play down the right by Rupert Nongrum, and his shot from a one-on-one situation was carried away by onrushing goalkeeper Paul Rachubka. ATK then saw their tricky winger Zequinha's curling shot hit the post; its clatter triggering a sigh of relief in the stadium. The visitors may have nipped it in terms of the better chances created, but Kerala Blasters will rue the missed opportunities they had to score. Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov was left waiting for a good cross too many times and Iain Hume's industry proved futile with the former ATK forward taken off at the hour mark. While ATK relied on slow build-up play, Blasters looked for quick breaks going forward. Berbatov slowly but surely grew into the game, setting up a few attacks with his trademark perfectly weighted passes and it was his expert touch that set up both CK Vineeth and Rino Anto down the right whenever they went forward. The Blasters made good use of set-pieces as well, but Sandesh Jhingan's attempts skidded off his head amid a crowd of defenders in red and white. The home side started the second half brightly, with Berbatov and Courage Pekuson combining to put Vineeth through down the left. He cut in and shot but it was palmed away by Debjit Majumder, who had earlier frustrated Berbatov in trying to find space to pull the trigger. As Kerala grew wasteful, ATK gained confidence, especially after Robin Singh replaced Finnish striker Njazi Kuqi. But the Indian No. 9 couldn't convert a low cross on his stronger left side.

ISL 2017: Kerala Blasters, ATK settle for point each in opener

Atk, News on Atk, stories on Atk, articles on Atk, Atk stories at Wion, Atk news, Atk latest news

atk