Atletico de Kolkata start their journey in an effort to create history by lifting two Indian Super League titles in three years, on Saturday. They, however, face a stiff resistance from the hottest team of the ISL 2016 so far, Mumbai City FC. MOMENTS FROM THE MATCH...
Can the first leg ISL 2016 semi final match between the sides at the Rabindra Sarovar stadium in the city of joy turn out advantageous for the home side? That remains to be seen, but what we can feel is that the likes of Diego Forlan, Matias Defederico, Sunil Chhetri or Leo Costa will not allow the ATK defenders even a moment of rest during the match.
On top of that, the fitness of ATK defensive stalwart Arnab Mondal remains a major worry for Jose Molina. It remains to be seen if the Indian can pass the fitness test and make an appearance.
Mumbai City FC finished their league season with a total of six wins and three losses from their 14 games, while ATK finished fourth with just four wins.
"As I said before it will be a 180-minute match but the first part which is 90 minutes is tomorrow [Saturday] and I am focussed on tomorrow's match to get the best result possible and try to win the match," mentioned Molina in the pre-match presser. "Only after this match we will start thinking about the next match, but we have to remember it is a 180-minute match and we have got to try and play our best football."
Alexandre Guimaraes' side, meanwhile, who have made it to the semi finals of the Indian football competition for the first time in their history, are looking forward to upset the veterans of the competition. "The confidence is that we have been very stable during the whole part of the league stage and we have always stuck together in good times and in bad and in our way of playing," said the Costa Rican coach.
"I think the team has one identity and it is important for us to play to preserve this identity and I think it is very important for the Mumbai City football club project."
Head to head record
ATK 2-3 Mumbai (one game drawn)
Schedule
ATK vs Mumbai City FC is scheduled to kick off at 7 pm IST (2.30 pm BST) on December 10.
Where to watch live
India: TV - Star Sports 1/HD1, Star Sports 2/HD2, Star Sports 3/HD3
Star Gold, Star Utsav (Hindi)
Jalsha Movies (Bengali)
Asianet Movies (Malayalam)
Asianet Suvarna Plus (Kannada)
Live streaming - Hotstar.
Europe: TV - Star Gold
Australia, USA: TV - Fox Sports
Canada: TV - CBN, ATN Bangla
Bangladesh: TV - Channel 9
South-East Asia: TV - Eurosport
Live score - Twitter
