ATK Mohun Bagan vs Odisha FC: Three battles to decide semi-final spot

These duels will likely decide the fate of the game.

The upcoming ISL 2022-23 playoff knockout fixture between ATK Mohun Bagan and Odisha FC is going to be exciting. Both teams have no room for error as the loser will bow out and bid adieu to their chances of winning the ISL Trophy. 

As for the winner of the knockout fixture at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, a place in the semi-final beckons. It is hard to predict which team will come out on top on Saturday, 4 March 2023. There are huge stakes on the line and key battles between the players from both sides will settle the tie.

Here is a look at the three key battles that will determine which team will make it to the semis:

3. Diego Mauricio vs Asish Rai

Diego Mauricio is leading the goal-scoring charts with 12 goals in the ISL 2022-23 as of yet. The striker is a one-man army in Odisha FC’s line-up and is crucial to everything that the club does in attack. Stopping him from scoring will be instrumental for ATK Mohun Bagan's defence.

The duty to stop him will fall on Asish Rai, the right-back, as Mauricio has the tendency to steer into the flanks to affect the gameplay. He loves to cut inside from the left wing to glance a shot on goal and that is where Rai will need to be on his toes. Pritam Kotal (right centre-back) will be crucial too, as he must combine well with Rai to prevent scoring chances for Mauricio.

2. Dimitri Petratos vs Carlos Delgado

Dimitri Petratos is the leading goal-scorer for ATK Mohun Bagan in the ongoing season with nine strikes. The club has struggled to score goals but the striker is their best bet going forward. He scored in the final league fixture against East Bengal in the Kolkata derby as well. In the clash against Odisha FC, he will shoulder the responsibility of scoring and providing for his team.

Carlos Delgado is the leader in Odisha FC’s defensive line. He will hope to contain Petratos’ influence to a minimum. The duel between the two will be exciting to watch. 

1. Saul Crespo vs Hugo Boumous

Saul Crespo is Odisha FC’s outright best-performing player this season. On the other hand, Hugo Boumous is essential to ATK Mohun Bagan’s attack. The battle of the midfield can give either team control of the match. 

Saul Crespo, as a box-to-box midfielder, provides cover to defence and Hugo Boumous excels at unlocking defences with his playmaking qualities. Whoever wins, may likely secure the victory as well. Both players play vital roles for their teams and their clash will be one of the key battles of the match.