ISL 2020-21: Krishna breaks Blasters' hearts in stunning ATKMB comeback

Faheem Hussain / Sportzpics for ISL

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Roy Krishna's stunning second half brace inspired ATK Mohun Bagan to a thrilling comeback victory as they edged Kerala Blasters 3-2 in a five-goal thriller at the Fatorda Stadium in the Indian Super League on Sunday. Kerala led through goals from Gary Hooper (14') and Costa Nhamoinesu (51') before a goal from Marcelinho (59') and a brace from Krishna (65, 87') helped Bagan complete the turnaround.

Marcelinho, having joined Bagan on loan from Odisha, was struggling for game time at his former club. But on Sunday he looked a man transformed, adding spark to ATKMB's struggling attack, thriving in a free role up front.

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The first half belonged to Kerala, who dominated possession and created multiple chances. They missed an opportunity to take the lead in the fifth minute, failing to capitalize on a mistake from Tiri. The defender made a mess of a clearance, which was intercepted by Jordan Murray, who found Sahal Abdul Samad with a cutback. The latter exchanged passes with Hooper but had his eventual shot blocked by Sandesh Jhingan.

Kerala continued to make inroads and broke the deadlock thanks to a thunderous strike from Murray. Sandeep Singh picked out Hooper in midfield, who controlled the ball with his chest and struck on the volley. Bagan keeper Arindam Bhattacharja was caught off his line and couldn't prevent the ball from going in.

Kerala scored from a corner to double their lead soon after. Sahal delivered a teasing cross into the box that was flicked over by Rahul KP. After some melee in the box, Costa poked the ball home from close range.

Marcelinho revived Bagan's hopes of a comeback with a well-taken strike in the second half. Manvir Singh lobbed the ball over the Kerala defence and found Marcelinho, who kept his cool and found the net with a delightful chip.

ATKMB crawled their way back into the game six minutes later, with Krishna scoring a penalty after Jessel Carneiro was deemed guilty of handling the ball. Kerala keeper Albino Gomes dived the right way and got his hand to the ball but the power from Krishna was enough to carry it into the net.

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The equaliser spurred Antonio Habas' side as they went all out and a costly mistake from Kerala's defence helped Bagan grab all three points late on.

The Fijian beat two defenders before slotting the ball into the bottom corner, helping Bagan record one of their most memorable wins of the season.