Indian Super League champions Atletico de Kolkata presented their ISL trophy in front of a high-capacity crowd at the Vicente Calderón on Saturday, prior to the big clash between Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
Former ATK marquee player Luis Garcia graced the occasion at the Calderon along with former Kerala Blasters forward and Atletico de Kolkata's new signing Ian Hume, and a host of other players and coaches from the Kolkata roster.
The Kolkata franchisee side made history last year after clinching the first-ever ISL trophy following a win over Kerala Blasters in the final of the tournament at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai. Mohammed Rafique scored a goal at the death to eke out victory for Antonio Habas' side on the D-Day.
"The players and coaching staff enjoyed the atmosphere of the stadium [Vicente Calderon] in the minutes prior to the initial whistle," Atletico de Kolkata said in a release.
The hosts Atletico Madrid lost the La Liga game on the night with a 2-1 scoreline. While Fernando Torres remained on the scoresheet for Diego Simeone's side, Lionel Messi and Neymar remained the scorers for the visitors.
Meanwhile, the ISL team co-owned by Indian cricket legend Sourav Ganguly has had a flying start to their preseason ahead of the second edition of the football tournament. ATK won two back-to-back friendly games, and so far, haven't conceded any goal.
The ISL champions won by a whopping scoreline of 9-0 against Gimnástica Segoviana at the Los Angeles de San Rafael ground in Segovia in the inaugural preseason game, and then defeated Alcobendas-Levitt club by 2-0 score in the second one.
Hume remained the goalscorer for the Indian Super League side in both games.
Habas' side open their campaign this season against Chennaiyin FC on the inaugural day of the Indian Super League on 3 October.
For all the ticket information about the game, Click HERE.
