GUWAHATI, Oct 28: Atletico de Kolkata came from behind to snatch a well deserved 2-1 victory against hosts NorthEast United FC in an entertaining Indian Super League battle at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Sarusajai here today.
NorthEast United took the lead through their Uruguayan forward Emiliano Alfaro in the 39th minute. Desperately in search of an equaliser, Atletico de Kolkata struck back in the second session with goals from marquee player Helder Postiga in the 63rd minute and Juan Belencoso in the 82nd minute.
The win took Atletico de Kolkata to the top with 12 points at the end of their first-leg matches while NorthEast United have to settle for the third spot with 10 points after losing their last two matches at home.
Both teams surprised their fans with changes to the line-up. While NorthEast United left out Romaric and Nicolas Velez from the starting line-up due to injuries, the visitors surprised many by leaving the hardworking Iain Hume on the bench. Marquee player Helder Postiga made a return to the side but could only make it to the bench at the start.
Alfaro was a constant danger as his pace was troubling rival defenders. He tried to win a penalty when he collided into the goalkeeper but the referee simply waved play on.
The Uruguayan striker could not be denied his chance to enter his name in the scorers list in the 39th minute. It was a perfect team-goal and started with a throw-in. Nirmal Chhetri controlled the ball on the right, played a nice one-two with Katsumi Yusa and then whipped a delightful ball across the face of goal where Alfaro made no mistake with his header.
In the second session, substitute Postiga showed remarkable touch and finally managed to score the equaliser in the 63rd minute.
Postiga�s shot from distance in the 82nd minute was deflected and it fell for Ralte, whose cross from across the face of goal saw Belencoso tap it inside an empty goal with NorthEast United defence nowhere to be seen.
