Former champions ATK got off to a flying start at home, pumping in five goals past debutants Hyderabad FC in their Indian Super League clash at the Saltlake Stadium in Kolkata on Friday.
ATK probably sealed the deal in the first 45 minutes itself taking a 3-0 lead with David Williams scoring a brace in the 25th and 44th minutes.
ATK's star Fijian recruit Roy Krishna also got his name on the scoresheet with a goal in the 27th minute before Edu Garcia completed the humiliation, striking twice in the 88th and 90th minutes.
The Antonio Lopez Habas-coached side thus returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion after suffering a 1-2 reversal in their opening game in Kerala on October 20.
also read
- ISL: Iker Garrotxena shines against Punjab FC as FC Goa climb to third spot
- ISL: Kaloor fort breached again; Bengaluru FC defeat Kerala Blasters 3-1
- ISL: Should Kerala Blasters bench Adrian Luna against Bengaluru FC?
- ISL: Jamshedpur FC beat Hyderabad FC 2-1 to move closer to leaders BFC
- ISL Kolkata derby: Mohun Bagan beat East Bengal 2-0
The home side pressed hard from the start and it was Michael Soosairaj who returned unlucky in the 19th minute when his shot ricochetted off the far post from 15-yards out.
ATK got a well-deserved lead when Javier Hernandez slid an excellent through ball towards Williams, who took one touch and then beat the goalkeeper to give ATK the lead in the 25th minute.
Putting them in total control, Roy Krishna got the the second when Williams came down the left flank to set up the goal.
Inducted in place of the disbanded Pune FC, Hyderabad were punished for playing a too open game and conceded a third goal before the break.
It was Jayesh Rane who played a through ball to Williams straight down the middle and the latter made a clean move to bring up his second goal, beating the goalkeeper.
It was then left to Edu Garcia to get into the act as he struck a double with two minutes left on the clock to give ATK a stupendous start at home.
