Margao: Defending champions Atletico de Kolkata may have crossed the Chennayin FC hurdle with ease but they now face another tough rival in form of Zico's FC Goa in an Indian Super League (ISL) encounter on Wednesday.
The last time the two teams met, Atletico edged past them in the semis on penalties. ATK also clinched the away league game of the group stage where Cavin Lobo netted a brace. The other match was drawn.
The defending champions, thus will take confidence from the fact that they have never been beaten by a side known for their aggressive football.
ATK will hope to ride on that confidence to win again after a morale-boosting win opening match win, which makes Zico's side's task cut out.
However, the Brazilian legend will surely have a trick or two up his sleeve to surprise his counterpart Antonio Lopez Habas.
It will be a contest where not only the skills of players but the decision making of both coaches will be put to the test.
Habas' biggest concern will be marquee Helder Postiga's injury. The Portuguese international strained his hamstring muscle in the opener against Chennaiyin while scoring his second goal and had to stretchered off the field. If the 33-year-old is not fit to play, Cape Verdean striker Valmiro Lopes Rocha (Valdo) may start the game.
Valdo has already made his mark in the league as he headed in ATK's third on Saturday night. But filling in the shoes of Postiga could be a difficult ask.
Goa, on the other hand, were impressive in their opener against Delhi Dynamos which they pocketed 2-0.
An own goal from Dynamos defender Souvik Chakraborty and a Reinaldo strike from close range sealed Dynamos' victory.
Atletico's biggest threat at the Fatorda Stadium will be posed by the pacy winger Romeo Fernandez and the crafty midfielder Jofre Mateu, who had played a crucial role for ATK in their success last year. Medio Mandar Rao Desai, the Man-of-the-Match in FC Goa's win against Delhi Dynamos, will also be a formidable opposition.
The Goa defence, marshalled by the Brazilian great Lucio, at times looked fragile against Delhi, and ATK will be hoping they can capitalise on it.
A crucial man for the title holders would be Canadian playmaker Iain Hume, who has to be at his best, and will be expected to supply a steady stream of passes for the strikers.
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