Margao, March 9: ATK Mohun Bagan, in its first year as a joint entity, reached the Indian Super League final with a 2-1 victory over NorthEast United in the second leg of the play-offs, here on Tuesday.
With this win, the Mariners have set up a blockbuster title clash against League Shield Winners Mumbai City FC.
The green and maroon brigade won the two-leg play-offs by 3-2 aggregate. The result also means that Bagan have qualified for the AFC Cup Group Stages after finishing second in the league and qualifying for the final. Their opponents in the final, Mumbai City FC, have sealed the Asian Champions League spot.
Bagan took the lead in the 38th minute when Roy Krishna set up David Williams upfront, who was quick enough to beat the Highlanders’ defenders with pace to enter the box and slot the first home. NorthEast came back strongly in the second session and dominated the first 15 minutes but just couldn’t find the equaliser they were looking for. Bagan were soon back in control and found a second goal from a quick counter. An NEUFC set-piece was cleared by Bagan and Krishna was quick to initiate an attack from outside his own box. The Fijian played a long ball to Manvir Singh, who got away from the opposition defenders and shot past the keeper. NEUFC pulled a goal back just before the cooling break.
The goal came from a set-piece. Machado whipped in a corner which was flicked on by Benjamin Lambot. Arindam missed the ball before it hit the post for Suhair to head it into the goal. (PTI)
