Guwahati : Atletico de Kolkata hit back in spectacular fashion to floor NorthEast United FC 2-1 in an entertaining Hero Indian Super League battle at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium, Guwahati, on Friday.
NorthEast United seemed destined to stay at the top of the table when Emiliano Alfaro provided the hosts with a first-half lead. But Atletico de Kolkata struck back in the second session with goals from marquee player Helder Postiga and Juan Belencoso in the 82nd minute.
The win took Atletico de Kolkata to the top with 12 points at the end of their first-leg matches while NorthEast United have to settle for the third spot with 10 points after losing their last two matches at home.
Both teams surprised their fans with changes to the line-up. While NorthEast United left out Romaric and Nicolas Velez from the starting line-up due to injuries, the visitors surprised many by leaving the hardworking Iain Hume on the bench. Marquee player Helder Postiga made a return to the side but could only make it to the bench at the start.
NorthEast United started well and should have been ahead in the fifth minute when Arnab Mondal and goalkeeper Debjit Majumder were involved in confusion but Alfaro could not capitalise.
