Juan Ferrando got off to a winning start as ATK Mohun Bagan coach but only just as his side scraped past a spirited NorthEast United FC 3-2 in a thrilling Indian Super League game at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda on Tuesday.
Ferrando moved from FC Goa to ATK Mohun Bagan after the Mariners let go of Antonio Lopez Habas in a dramatic turn of events over the last week. It was, however, not a fairytale start for Ferrando as VP Suhair gave NorhEast United the lead in the 2nd minute.
Hugo Boumous (53rd, 76th) scored a brace after Liston Colaco (45th) equalised for ATK Mohun Bagan but Mashoor Shereef (87th) got the Highlanders back in the game. However, the Calcutta side held firm and recorded their first win in four matches.
ATK Mohun Bagan now have 11 points from seven games. NorthEast United remain in ninth spot with seven points from eight matches.
The second phase of the ISL season will kick off on January 10 and will be played over a 55-day period, tournament organisers Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL) announced on Tuesday. The first leg will end on December 30 with Chennaiyin FC taking on Bengaluru FC. The return leg of the Calcutta Derby between ATK Mohun Bagan and SC East Bengal is set for January 29.