Atlético de Kolkata registered a last-gasp 2-1 victory over FC Goa as over 18,000 home fans looked on at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Thursday evening. Juan Belencoso’s header put the visitors ahead in the first half before Mandar Rao Dessai equalised with a cool finish 10 minutes from time. But it was Stephen Pearson who ensured all three points with a stoppage time goal to take ATK to second place on the table, leaving Goa hanging with a mathematical chance of qualifying for the semis.ATK were strong off the blocks with Pritam Kotal putting in a cross as early as the first minute but Pearson failed to connect properly. Pearson again had a crack at the goal with the rebound falling to Javi Lara but goalkeeper Laxmikanth Kattimani was alert enough to save it with his legs. It was replay minutes later and this time Kattimani dove to his right to palm away Lara’s attempt to keep the scores level.The visitors settled down well passing the ball around with ease as Goa failed to produce proper chances. The pressure intensified with Kolkata winning back-to-back corners. Goa came close though soon after with Rafael Coelho’s volley flying just past the top corner. Just as it seemed that Goa were coming back into the game Kolkata struck home as Abinash Ruidas sent in the perfect ball for Belencoso to put ATK ahead in the 28th minute.Kolkata kept control of the ball and shut out the hosts completely. It seemed the visitors would double their lead any moment and marquee man Helder Postiga almost delivered. Lara’s corner was well guided towards the goal but the crossbar came in the way of the Portuguese striker. The half ended with some positivity for the Gaurs with three back-to-back corners but they failed to take advantage of any of them.Both teams were a bit cautious in the beginning of the second half before Dessai’s ball caused a flutter in the ATK box. Robert Lalthlamuana’s mistimed clearance hit the post in what could have been an embarrassing own goal for Kolkata. Postiga had a look-in at the goal minutes later but Kattimani was once again on hand to make the save.Frustration crept in but Goa slowly made their way back into the game with Romeo Fernandes being the driving force. His shot from distance curved inches away from the goal. Robin Singh too made an attempt with his header going straight into Debjit Majumder’s hands. A goal was always on the cards and Dessai was the man who got the equaliser in the 80th minute, his low shot going through Kotal’s legs into the bottom right corner to set up a tense finish.The pace picked up as both teams went for the winner. Joffre shot it over on the counter, while Pearson produced a weak shot after Sameehg Doutie had set him up. Doutie soon almost got the winner but his shot hit the crossbar as a draw seemed imminent but Pearson struck in the second minute of added time to snatch victory for the visitors.Match Awards:Club award: Atlético de KolkataAmul Fittest Player of the Match: Romeo FernandesDHL Winning Pass of the Match: Sameehg DoutieMaruti Suzuki Swift Moment of the Match: Laxmikanth KattimaniISL Emerging Player of the Match: Abinash RuidasHero of the Match: Mandar Rao Dessai
