Atletico de Kolkata conceded three goals in the first leg of the second semi final of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2015. Chenniayin FC were rampant in their home fixture and have a healthy cushion before they take to the field against the defending champions in the second leg of the semi final of the ISL at the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan (Saltlake Stadium) in Kolkata on Tuesday ,15 December.
But Atletico de Kolkata co-owner and the former India captain Sourav Ganguly is hopeful that his boys in red and white can make it to the big final of the ISL 2015. He knows that it is not going to be easy against Chennaiyin FC, who have won five matches in a row to make it to this level in this tournament, but Dada is hopeful about a positive result on Tuesday.
"It's tough but that's the way it is. This team has in the past scored four goals. It will do even if it's 3-0... (Then) it will go to shootout," Ganguly told reporters in Kolkata on Monday.
"Chennai played better than us. You don't always become champions. Even Germany and Brazil are good teams but do they win the World Cup always? We have not played well."
Surprisingly, Atletico de Kolkata got the better of the Super Machans from Chennai in both the matches. The opening match of the ISL 2015 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Marina Arena in Chennai, saw the defending champions edge past Chennaiyin FC 3-2. Atletico de Kolkata defeated Chennaiyin FC 2-1 when the latter travelled to Kolkata for the second fixture of the ISL 2015.
Coach Antonio Lopez Habas will be wary of the force that his men will have to take on. Somehow, they will have to score three goals to equalise the scoreline. It is equally important for the defending champions who are trailing by three goals, and they cannot let Chennaiyin FC score in the second leg of the semi final of ISL 2015. If they do, it will all be done and dusted for Atletico de Kolkata as they are on the brink of exit.
One can expect a cracker of an encounter when these two teams will take to the field on Tuesday. Chennaiyin FC should also be wary of the fact that they will be playing the game at the mecca of Indian football, which is also the home ground of Atletico de Kolkata. The fans will be acting as the 12th man and will be right behind the home side. It is is important for Chennaiyin FC that they do not succumb to the pressure that both the players and the fans will exert on them.
