ATK Mohun Bagan were left stunned as a sensational performance from Rajasthan United FC. Juan Ferrando’s ATK Mohun Bagan (ATKMB) started the 131st Durand Cup with a defeat against an I-League team they dominated. The I-League team won 3-2 right at the end of the match in the added time towards the final moments of the second half.
The green and brown brigade finished third in the ISL group stages last season and lost to eventual winners Hyderabad FC in the semi-finals. Juan Ferrando’s side have made several additions this time around and will be looking to challenge for the title. Rajasthan United FC, meanwhile, finished sixth in the I-League last season.
Rajasthan United VS ATK Mohun Bagan
A thrilling game at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan saw ATK Mohun Bagan waste a flurry of opportunities. For them, Kiyan Nassiri and Ashique Kuruniyan were the scorers. Rajasthan United FC on the other hand, found their goals from Amangeldiev and Lalremsanga with Nikum scoring the winner.
First half was primarily dominated by the Mariners, but the goals came in the last five minutes of the same. Kiyan Nassiri of ATKMB and Bektur of Rajasthan were the goal-scorers in the first 45 minutes. A quick lead was taken by the home side thanks to Ashique Kuruniyan’s thumping strike. Just like first half, Rajasthan United came back into the game, this time with Remsanga’s strike inside the box.
In the final thirty seconds or so, ATKMB were sluggish in their defence as it was too easy for Rajasthan to create a chance and take the lead for the first time in the match, which also secured all three points for them. Rajasthan United FC, meanwhile, finished sixth in the I-League last season and will be looking to show off their skills in this competition.
After 90 minutes of an extremely exciting contest, Rajasthan United return home with three points. The host had 28 shots and 14 of them on target, while RUFC had 12 shots, with 7 of them on target. But statistics do not win matches. Rajasthan proved it tonight with a brilliant performance in the Durand Cup.
