Key players to watch as ATK Mohun Bagan, NorthEast United faceoff in semi-final second leg

These stalwarts will decide the fate of the crucial game on Tuesday.

Both ATK Mohun Bagan and NorthEast United have all to play for in the second leg of Indian Super League playoffs after playing out a 1-1 draw in the first. It looked like the Mariners will head into the second leg with a one-goal lead after David Williams scored in the 34th minute. However, the Highlanders equalized in the 94th minute through Idrissa Sylla to bring the tie back on level terms.

It will be all square between the two teams as they head for the second leg and we look at the five key players that will play a major role in the deciding fixture on Tuesday.

5. Marcelinho

Things have gone quite well for Marcelinho since his loan move to ATK Mohun Bagan from Odisha FC. It seems that the 33-year old has found his form at the right moment. The midfielder looked more like his former self in the first leg, looking more lively, seeing more of the ball and getting shots away. The former Hyderabad FC man created two chances in the first leg with a passing accuracy of 81%. With Krishna and Williams keeping the NorthEast backline occupied, Marcelinho could find himself with space which can be very worrying for the Highlanders.

4. Lalengmawia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA4YTRAG5-o&t=205s

Apuia has been a revelation for NorthEast United this season. The 20-year-old has made the midfield position his own and is one of the first names in the team sheet for the Highlanders. Khassa Camara sitting just in front of the defence gives the youngster the freedom to move freely and he takes full advantage of that. It was yet another stellar performance from the boy from Mizoram in the first leg, completing 45 passes with a passing accuracy of 80%.

Apuia can handle the opposition's press very well which can prove very precious for NorthEast United in the second leg against ATK Mohun Bagan, especially while creating counter-attacking situations. Apart from that, the youngster proved his shooting boots with the wonder striker against Kerala Blasters.

3. Roy Krishna

Roy Krishna started this season from where he left in the previous season. With 14 goals and four assists he is the club’s highest goalscorer and also their highest assist provider for this season. The duo of Krishna and Williams was seen in full flow in, the first leg as the Fijian provided with the assist for Williams’ goal. The 33-year-old almost found the back of the net himself with a brilliant piece of individual skill. There is no doubt that the former Wellington Phoenix forward will have more to say in the second leg.

2. David Williams

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egmBs_eb9kY

David Williams almost made sure that the Mariners went into the second leg with a one-goal lead through his goal in the 34th minute. The Australian completely fooled Nim Dorjee Tamang with a fake shot and created space for himself before producing a brilliant finish in the bottom corner.

With three goals and two assists in the season so far, the 33-year-old has continued his partnership with forward Roy Krishna, creating havoc for the opposition defences. Apart from his goal, the Australian looked lively in the first leg and his brilliant finish is a warning to the Highlanders’ defence on what providing him space in front of goal can lead to.

1. Federico Gallego

In a team where everyone has played their part, Federico Gallego still manages to stand out. Easily the best player of the team, the Uruguayan has played a major role in bringing NorthEast to where they are this season. The 30-year-old has scored four goals and provided with six assists so far this season. Apart from that, he has also created the most number of chances in the league this season.

The midfielder wasn’t at his best in the first leg, misplacing a few passes. Despite that, he managed to create four chances. Gallego will be a major threat to the ATKMB backline in the second leg because of his ability to create chances both from set-pieces and open play.