Atlético de Kolkata came from behind to beat Chennaiyin FC 2-1 in the Hero Indian Super League on Wednesday in front of 35,437 spectators at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata. The Super Machans started the game brightly by taking the lead through Raphael Augusto. However, goals from Sameegh Doutie and Iain Hume either side of the break handed the hosts the win.

The visitors saw plenty of possession early on but failed to create any clear-cut opportunities for most of the first-half. However, when the goal did come it was more down to defensive lapses at the back for Atlético de Kolkata.

Augusto made a surging run forward trying to exchange a one-two with ex-ATK man Fikru Teferra. Fikru’s pass fell short of Augusto but Augustine Fernandes’ failed attempt at a clearance allowed the ball to fall directly in Augusto’s path and he converted calmly to give his side the lead.

The hosts finally decided to up the ante after falling behind and started exerting pressure on the Chennaiyin FC goal mainly from wide areas. Karanjit Singh though marshalled his men resolutely in defence and made sure they didn’t concede a goal immediately after taking the lead.

Fikru could have made it 2-0 for the Super Machans before half-time after Elano picked him out with an inch-perfect pass. The Ethiopian striker controlled the ball well but failed to beat Amrinder Singh in the ATK goal with an attempted chip.

They were made to pay for their wastefulness as the defending champions equalised in stoppage-time of the first-half. A Jaime Gavilan free-kick was sent into the danger area but Karanjit punched the ball clear. The loose ball came out straight to Doutie who rifled in a first-time volley past a crowded Chennaiyin FC box and Karanjit in goal to make it 1-1 at the break.

Elano had the first attempt of the second period after a lovely pass from Augusto found him unmarked on the edge of the Kolkata box. Elano swivelled gracefully but sent his shot high above the crossbar. Hume forced Karanjit into his first save of the half with a left-footed shot after controlling an ATK throw-in. The Canadian frontman had his goal in the 63rd minute with Doutie donning the role of provider this time. His perfectly weighed low cross into the box from the right was met by Hume’s left-foot to give Atlético the lead. The goal was Hume’s fifth strike of Hero ISL 2015.

Chennaiyin FC head coach Marco Materazzi bought on Bruno Pelissari and Jeje Lalpekhlua as they looked to claw their way back into the match. The changes did help the Super Machans build steam but Kolkata’s defence was equal to the task.

The southern-outfit’s best chance of an equaliser came from a corner in the 85th minute of the game. There was pandemonium in Atlético’s penalty area as a desperate clearance from Doutie helped protect their lead after ping ball football near the six-yard line.

Kolkata also gave their newest addition Dejan Lekic a run out towards the end of the game when he replaced Hume for five minutes of additional time. Chennaiyin FC probed ATK’s goal but failed to get a late goal which meant that Kolkata are now second in the table with 17 points while Chennaiyin FC still sit rock bottom with 10 points from as many games.

Match Awards

Club Award – Atlético de Kolkata

Swift Moment of the Match – Iain Hume (Atlético de Kolkata) (Watch here)

Amul Fittest Player of the Match – Raphael Augusto (Chennaiyin FC) (Watch here)

ISL Emerging Player of the Match – Thoi Singh (Chennaiyin FC)

Hero of the Match - Sameehg Doutie (Atlético de Kolkata) (Watch here)