ATK Mohun Bagan vs Hyderabad FC: Three Key Battles

These clashes will certainly play a huge role in the upcoming second leg of the tie.

ATK Mohun Bagan welcomes Hyderabad FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on Monday for the second leg of the 2022-23 Indian Super League semi-final. The first leg did not see a goal despite both teams creating decent scoring chances.

It was a close game at the G.M.C. Balayogi Athletic Stadium in Hyderabad between both teams. There were plenty of quality players on the field who gave it their all in order to help the team to win. Similarly, in the second leg, eyes will be on some of the key battles that will play a key role in deciding the outcome of the contest.

Both head coaches will hope that their key players can deliver and take the team to the final, one step closer to the title. Here is a look at the three key battles from ATK Mohun Bagan vs Hyderabad FC: 

Dimitri Petratos vs Odei Onaindia

Dimitri Petratos is the main attacking threat in ATK Mohun Bagan’s lineup. The striker causes plenty of problems to the opposition with his movement in the box and deliveries from set-piece situations. He had two shots on target in the first leg and made life hard for the HFC defence. His hold-up play is also solid and does well to spread the ball out to the wingers.

The task of stopping him will fall on Odei Onaindia. He is the leader in defence for Hyderabad FC and will hope to limit Petratos’ influence to a minimum. The centre-back needs to step up for his team and work towards securing a clean sheet again.

Carl McHugh vs Joel Chianese

Carl McHugh has been a workhorse in ATKMB’s midfield. He does the dirty job of making interceptions and blocking passing lines, thereby providing cover to the defence. He won several duels in the midfield in the first leg and will aim to stay close to Chianese like a moth to a flame.

Joel Chianese came close to scoring for Hyderabad FC in the first leg. His tendency to make late runs inside the box creates scoring opportunities and also lures defenders out of position. In addition to two shots on goal, Chianese also created two scoring chances for his team against ATKMB.

Subhasish Bose vs Mohammad Yasir

Subhasish Bose has been very consistent this season for ATK Mohun Bagan. The left-back took his attacking gameplay to the next level and usually has the most touches in his team. In the first leg, the left-back had 74 touches and created one scoring chance as well. However, his defensive contribution also has been immense.

The full-back made three key clearances in the first leg and his duel with Mohammad Yasir was a joy to watch. Eyes will be on these two individuals once again and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. Mohammad Yasir created two chances for his team and also delivered three crosses. He can conjure up magic if given time and space.