Indian Super League champions Atletico de Kolkata started off their three-week preseason training campaign in Spain with some fireworks as they thrashed the U-19 side of local Spanish outfit Gimnástica Segoviana 9-0 at the Los Angeles de San Rafael ground in Segovia.
Atletico de Kolkata marquee player Helder Postiga made an immediate mark, showing he has still got what it takes to be one of the most-feared strikers. The 33-year-old Portugal international, who was a part of the squad in the FIFA World Cup in Brazil last year, scored a hat-trick for Atletico de Kolkata in his first game.
Former Kerala Blasters striker and Canada International Ian Hume also scored a brace in the game, as Antonio Habas' side looked the better team in every department as compared to Gimnástica, who play in the fourth division of Spanish football.
The Kolkata franchise faced the Spanish outfit last year as well during their preseason training, and that time too, ATK won the game 6-0.
"We are just at the beginning of our preparations for the second season of ISL," ATK coach Habas said in a statement.
"The match provided an opportunity for the support staffs to observe where the fitness levels of each player stand at the moment and I am happy with the progress each player is making at the moment."
Pune FC midfielder Arata Izumi - who was snapped up by Atletico de Kolkata in the ISL domestic player auctions this summer for Rs 40 lakh - also scored, alongside Jewel Raja, Spanish midfielder Jaime Gavilan Martinez and Cape Verde winger Valdo.
"These friendly matches will help the footballers interact with each other and gel as a unit prior to the season," Habas added.
Atletico de Kolkata start their title defence this year with an away match against Chennaiyin FC in the opening encounter of the ISL season on 3 October.
