Delhi, Kolkata share points after Elias stunner

NorthEast United hold FC Goa 1-1

NorthEast United, who had won a game and lost one before today’s match, were the better side for most part of the contest but their forwards failed to convert the chances that came their way. Photo: Ritu Raj Konwar

Blaming the hectic scheduling, Atletico de Kolkata marquee manager Antonio Habas on Sunday said the players were tired as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Delhi Dynamos in the Indian Super League here.

Czech midfielder Pavel Elias struck a stunner to help Dynamos halt Atletico’s two-match winning run as both the teams settled for a point each after an intense draw.

Barcelona’s youth system product, Jofre Mateu, gave the home franchise a 49th-minute lead, but Dynamos brilliantly bounced back through Elias in the 73rd minute to give the visiting side its first point.

“Many players were tired since we played on Sunday then on Thursday and then again today. We are playing three matches in eight days in different venues. For us it’s round three, while for Delhi it’s round two,” lamented the Spanish manager at the post-match media interaction.

“I’m very satisfied with the players. We created many chances, playing against a good team. It’s a long league.”

Kolkata’s marquee player Luis Garcia, meanwhile, may be unavailable for a week after pulling a hamstring muscle just before the half time in their draw against Delhi.

In the day’s other game, NorthEast United FC (in picture) capitalised on a debatable penalty decision as they held FC Goa to a 1-1 draw in a high intensity match.

Playing their third match at home on the trot in the space of seven days, NorthEast United conceded a goal in the 17th minute after their goalkeeper T P Rehenesh made a blunder but they got the equaliser in the 36th minute through a penalty kick at the Indira Gandhi Stadium.