ATK oust champs Bengaluru, storm into third ISL final

Kolkata, March 8

Two-time champions ATK relied on a David Williams brace to script a spectacular turnaround and storm into the final of the Indian Super League with a 3-2 aggregate win over holders Bengaluru FC here today.

In the driver’s seat after winning the first leg 1-0, Bengaluru FC struck in the fifth minute for a vital away goal advantage. Ashique Kuruniyan scored his first goal of the season from a counter attack.

Up 2-0 on aggregate, Bengaluru had one foot in their third consecutive ISL final. But ATK produced a stunning recovery in front of a 50,000-plus crowd, which included many Mohun Bagan members who were given complimentary tickets. Mohun Bagan and ATK have merged for the next season.

Captain Roy Krishna (30th minute) brought ATK back into the game before Williams’ 63rd-minute penalty made it 2-2 on aggregate. Williams then struck a brilliant header off local lad Prabir Das’s delivery in the 79th minute to seal the issue 3-1 in the second leg. Das was exceptional in the midfield and had set up the first goal as well.

ATK will face two-time champions Chennaiyin in the title clash in Goa on March 14. — PTI