ISL 2015: Super-sub Velez shines once again as NorthEast downs Atletico

 The match started out as a promising encounter with some early chances at both ends. But it was the visitors who had the better of those opportunities, as Javi Lara – with a shot from distance – and Iain Hume – with a free header at the far post – heavily tested NorthEast goalie, Rehenesh TP.

Farias made a significant change to his tactics in this game, as the shifted from the usual 4-4-2 to a more defensive 5-3-2 formation. In fact, he played with six defenders on the pitch, with Andre Bikey, a center-back by trade, being played as a holding midfielder.

However, these changes did not stop Atletico from dominating the opening exchanges and Jaime Gavilan came close to scoring in the 16th minute, when his left-footed volley, from a Borja Fernandez cross, sizzled just past the post.

NorthEast had a good chance to take the lead against the run of play in the 23rd minute, when Rino Anto brought down Bruno Arias at the edge of the penalty box with a tackle from behind. Bruno took the free-kick himself but was thwarted by a decent save from Atletico goalie, Amrinder Singh.

Five minutes later, the home side once again came close to taking the lead. A corner from Arias was punched away by Amrinder, but the ball only reached as far as Reagan Singh at the edge of the box. The wing-back struck the ball on the volley with impeccable technique, but it was met with an equally good save from Amrinder in goal.

While NorthEast were troubling the visitors from set-pieces, it was Atletico who looked the better team from open play. But neither of the teams managed to convert their chances as they went into half-time tied at 0-0.

Atletico should have taken the lead right at the start of the second half though, but Javi Lara missed an open goal. The move started with Gavilan releasing Hume down the left wing and the NorthEast custodian only managing to punch the Canadian forward's low and dangerous cross towards Lara. With an unguarded goal at his mercy, the Spaniard failed to hit the target – this would later prove to be a very costly miss.

The visitors missed another golden opportunity, as Antonio Habas watched on in despair. Ofentse Nato was unlucky to hit the crossbar with his header, after Hume picked him out with a cross from the left wing. Lara's follow-up shot was blocked as well.

The defending champions paid for this sooner than later, as Velez once again came to the rescue when the NorthEast side needed it most. Arnab Mondal, who has not been at his best this season, failed to clear a wayward pass from Sanju Pradhan, and his attempted clearance reached Velez inside the box. The Argentinean passed the ball into the far corner with stunning precision as he scored his third goal of this campaign – it will certainly be hard for Farias to keep him on the bench anymore.

The goal proved to be the winner as the match ended 1-0 in favour of NorthEast. Cesar Farias will be delighted that his team has managed to turn around their awful start to the season, with two wins in a row. But his team selection will still raise a few question marks. However, for now the Highlanders have climbed out of the bottom of the league to reach the joint-fifth spot in the points table.

Antonio Habas will be wondering how his team failed to score despite all those chances. The Kolkata side seem to be missing Helder Postiga more than they had expected. Hume needs more support upfront and he might get to play with two strikers in the next game. However, at the moment, the champions' hopes of defending their crown appears to be on the rocks.